Chitty is reliable family fun - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK (Tour) Review

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang seems to have won a place in peoples' hearts. Most people remember the hit film for the music, the evil child catcher, Dick Van Dyke's likeable turn and most of all the main attraction - Chitty, herself. But many were worried that a musical stage adaptation would fall flat. After all, how would today's ipod generation respond to a tale about a clapped out car turned magical flying machine? Well, the opening night audience in Manchester including many local celebrities from the world of soap and TV drama left the theatre on an absolute high, almost parallel with the magical car.

Brian Conley plays failing inventor Caractacus Potts who lives for his two lovely children. He struggles to bring them up alone and therefore longs to meet a partner who can fulfill the role of companion and mother. By chance he meets the imaginatively named Truly Scrumptious (played with real grace by Marissa Dunlop) and they embark on an adventure after Potts decides to repair an old car. Throw in a crazy baron and baroness who rule a land where children are banned and you have all the elements required to keep your little ones open mouthed in awe and wonder.Chitty appeals to both young boys and girls as there are plot developments aimed squarely at both genders.

Comic relief is provided by Robert Traynor and Nigel Garton as two crazy Bulgarian fraudsters who hope to get their hands on the car by posing as Brits. Also on the families' tail and proviging laughs a plenty are Baron and Baroness Bomburst (Sean Blowers and Jane Gurnett) who are intent on ridding the country of little brats, whilst acquiring the car along the way.

This family show is very entertaining as it is unashamedly old fashioned and a real no brainer. It is perfect if you want to unwind without having to concentrate too heavily on the plot, no bad thing as musical theatre is often accused of being a bit po faced and over earnest- no such criticisms here. The performers are all enthusiastic even when Jeremy Sam's adaptation falls awkwardly between two stools, childrens' musical and pantomime style characterisation. 

Brian Conley clearly enjoys playing Potts and he radiates warmth. Marissa Dunlop is equally feisty and feminine as Truly. Paul Greenwood has very little to do as Grandpa Potts but does raise a laugh whenever he is on stage. Sean Blowers and Jane Gurnett steal the show almost from underneath the car's exhuast. They are delightfully dotty exuding the right level of villainy mixed with great comedy pratfalls, tongues firmly in their cheeks and never stepping out of character. Gurnett in particular had both children and adults in hysterics with her ferociously funny act. Kevin Kennedy has an above average singing voice and clearly loves the audience participation that his character attracts whenever he enters a scene.

As for the car, what can I say? She flies, ok not across the auditorium but no-one will be left complaining as the effect is truly mesmerising. Try as you might you will not work out the smoke/mirrors trickery. Maybe it's magic after all!  

The strong ensemble/supporting players frame the piece beautifully with a series of well judged performances and great vocal delivery. Ill judged number "The Bombie Samba" is oddly placed within the narrative but is wonderfully sung and danced by the cast. Proof of the sheer professionalism of this talented troupe.

At times the pace falters slightly as this show is almost three hours long, slightly problematic as there is not that much ground to cover. The end result being that some scenes drag on, spluttering when ideally the piece should be in fourth gear but maybe I am being picky.

All the famous songs are here and it would take a real spoil sport not to sing along during the title track. Another favourite from the film, Hushabye Mountain is met with genuine emotion from the audience. I personally love "Doll On a Music Box/Truly Scrumptious" as it reminds me of rainy bank holidays watching the film. This scene is lovingly recreated complete with life size doll and clown leaving fans feeling elated.

Visually the show is quite something. There is so much to see that you dare not even blink as you may miss something. Ok, the plot is flimsy and the cutesy- pie kids' characters may be a tad irritating but as a piece of family entertainment this show is bang on!

Glenn Meads (Reviewed at The Palace Theatre, Manchester, UK)