Kings Theatre, Southsea – until Sunday 16th April 2023
Reviewed by Sally Lumley
5*****
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the musical is based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s novel, with wonderfully recognisable songs by the incredible Sherman Brothers.
The show tells the story of inventor Caractacus Potts (Paul Clements) and his children Jeremy (Cohen Bates) and Jemima (Jemima May Rees). Together they restore an old racing car to her former glory, with a little extra magic thrown in. When the children’s grandfather is kidnapped by the Baron of Vulgaria (John Bettesworth), they join forces with Truly Scrumptious (Georgia Deloise) and go on an adventure in Chitty to rescue him.
This is a community production by the Kings, with a cast comprised of local non-professional actors who deliver top class performances. The lead roles are in very capable hands with Clements and Deloise, impressively supported by the children who would be at home on a west end stage. Chris Ballard and Callum Tickner as Boris and Goran the Vulgarian spies provide the classic comedy double act leaving the audience in stitches. Daniel Vaughan is also fabulous as the iconic Child Catcher, thoroughly deserving the appreciative boos they received for their performance; my nine year old son was just the right amount of terrified.
The real star of the show though is Chitty herself of course, and she doesn’t disappoint. When she flies at the end of the first half it was a proper “wow” moment, with lights, sounds and staging combining to have the audience believe that a car was flying around the theatre. It really was “more than spectacular (to use the vernacular)”, and we could feel the magic of the car in that special moment.
The flyer promised a show that has something for everybody and judging by the standing ovation in Southsea last night the Kings Theatre delivered on that promise. This is a truly fantasmagorical show – drive, sail or fly down to the Kings for a ticket before they sell out.