The current UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the musical has flown into Glasgow’s Kings Theatre, running from Tuesday 27 August to Sunday 8 September. The production features classic numbers by the Sherman brothers and is directed by Thom Southerland. The musical debuted in 2002 and has undergone many adaptations worldwide.
A bright new production
The last UK tour in 2016/17 (starring Jason Manford) relied far too much on projections, and was a colourless, lazy bore, in comparison, this production is bright, relies beautifully on practical sets & brings the musical numbers to life.
Adam Garcia (Original Fiyero, Wicked London) is brilliant as the eccentric Caractacus Potts who restores an old racing car which has magical powers with the help of his two children, Jeremy and Jemima. Along with Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, they end up on an exciting adventure to a far off land.
Performed with adoration and ease
The beloved musical numbers are performed with adoration and ease, with brilliant dance segments and a pitch-perfect ensemble. While the added numbers (not featured in the original ‘68 film) aren’t as memorable as the classics, they are still energetic and natural.
Many of the best moments are the whole-cast numbers like Toot Sweets or Me Ol’ Bam-Boo, but Hushabye Mountain is the musical’s highlight, performed sweetly by Garcia himself with Come To The Funfair acting as the song’s epilogue for the first time since 2008.
While Garcia & Ellie Nunn (Truly) are exceptional, it is Martin Callaghan (Baron) and Jenny Gayner (Baroness) that steal the show. Their spin on the two characters is unforgettable and they add plenty of innuendo to keep the adults entertained. As do Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph) whose Act English number may be the best of those original to the stage production.
Elaine C. Smith is a reliable performer, however, she feels severely miscast as the Child Catcher. The character is meant to be eerie and off putting but her performance feels more fitting for a pantomime. Not to discredit the pantomime element of Chitty which adds to its quirkiness, but the Child Catcher should have you hiding behind your seat, not laughing. The song, Kiddy Widdy Winkies, could have been left out and may have added more suspense. But it’s one of the show’s rare missteps.
And of course, what would Chitty be without the flying car? Which brilliantly rises from the stage into the night sky, as immersive as it is impressive.
Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang is touring the UK with more information available here.
Featured Image Credit: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Tour
He/Him
Arts Editor 24/25
Press email: arts@brignews.com
