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It was simply wonderful to watch one of my favourite childhood films come to life on stage.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was an epic film that I watched many times as a child, sitting next to my dad on a Sunday afternoon on the sofa, singing along to all the songs - it was magical.
The latest production of the show, which is currently on at the Churchill Theatre, in Bromley, , immediately transported me back to the nostalgia of my younger years.
Even waiting for the curtain to go up got me excited for what was in store as the band played a montage of tunes from the film - it was amazing.
I wondered how any production might fit in all of the aspects of the film, as it’s more than two hours long, but absolutely nothing was missed out.
The actors, the set, and the details included in this production are just phenomenal.
The packed-out auditorium was filled with both young and old theatre-goers who were all jigging, giggling and singing along to the slap-bang comedy moments and songs such as Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious, Me 'Ol Bamboo and of course the title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The story is so authentic and the acting so brilliant, it was truly like watching the 1968 family musical.
The inventor, Caractacus Potts’ character, was played by Adam Garcia, who spoke and acted just like Dick Van Dyke.
Whoever cast former EastEnders actor Charlie Brooks as the Childcatcher is a genius, she played the part so well; in fact, she was perfect at it.
There were so many characters who made me laugh while they were on stage. The Barnoess, played by Jenny Gayner, was superb and a real star at making gags and scenes extremely funny.
I also have to give a mention to Grandpa Potts and Liam Fox who played him, he even walked like Lionel Jefferies and had his character mannerisms nailed to a tee.
The funny duo of Boris and Goran, the Vulgarian spies who try and capture the magical flying fine four-fendered friend that is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang are also such as scream.
The moment the magical car, GEN 11, made an appearance on stage was just so overwhelming, I cried tears of joy at seeing it take off.
It’s just like the song goes, “Oh, you, pretty Chitty Bang Bang, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang we love you!” Everyone certainly did as she kept coming on stage to do her magic.
My theatre buddy and I spent lots of time trying to work out how she was flying around, but still didn’t figure it out.
It seemed so real, she did seem to float, spread her wings and fly, it was magical to watch and the people behind the illusion have made this show a must-see for any Chitty Chitty Bang Bang fan.
It’s currently showing at the theatre until Sunday, June 30, so there is still time to get your hands on tickets, you’ll not regret it, it’s truly scrumptious!