Review: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Birmingham Hippodrome

Adored by generations since 1968 as a film and now a much hyped stage production – expectations were high for this show.

Could I really trust the likes of Lee Mead, Claire Sweeney and Phill Jupitus to stay true to the magic of our fine four fendered friend and protect the treasures of my youth? The pressure was on.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a road trip into fantasy, toying with danger, sparring with the sinister Vulgarians, embracing romance, exploring family bonds – and churning out a non-stop score of pretty wonderful tunes too.

And this production of the Ian Fleming children's classic does not disappoint – it has it all.

Key to the success of this show is the strength of the cast – not just the headline names, but also a strong supporting cast and excellent ensemble.

For a gallery of pics and a trailer of the show click here

Though his theatrical CV continues to grow, Lee Mead is stepping into big shoes in the role of madcap inventor and widower Caractacus Potts, which was so famously played by Dick Van Dyke in the film. But Mead is exceedingly likeable and plays the role with warmth and humour.

He shines, predictably, in his musical numbers. There was a lump in my throat during his performance of Hushabye Mountain, a night-time lullaby for his children while dreams danced overhead and the shadow of their poor mother drifted in and out of the scene.

His love interest in the musical is, of course, Truly Scrumptious, played by Carrie Hope Fletcher. She presents a quite feisty, modern woman for her time (it is set in 1919) with a soft heart. One of her finer moments is performing Truly Scrumptious with the children on the beach.

The Potts children, Jemima and Jeremy, were played by extremely talented youngsters Darcy Snares and Elliot Morris who gave such confident and engaging performances they can be sure of very bright futures.

Truly and the Potts family find themselves in peril when their former racing car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is targeted by Baron and Baroness Bomburst of Vulgaria who want to learn the secrets of the magical flying machine.

The villains are played by Jupitus and Sweeney who work well together bringing much humour to the show. Sweeney is an excellent dancer and singer but demonstrates in this production that she delivers comedy and slapstick with ease. Jupitus is in his comfort zone in this eccentric role – a part not too dissimilar to that he played in The Producers when previously on stage in the city. There is a very amusing performance of the song Chu-Chi Face although there were times in the show I might have liked a little more energy from Jupitus in his role.

As bad guys, however, the Bomhursts were completely overshadowed by the sinister Childcatcher, played by Matt Gillett. The creepy cry of 'lollipops, cherry pie' still sends a shiver down my spine. Gillett delivers that menace to perfection and with apparent ease.

Worthy of special mention are the hilarious performances of the Vulgarian spies Boris, played by Sam Harrison, and Goran, alias Scott Paige. And also Grandpa Potts played by Andy Hockley. All three are incredibly funny but impossibly loveable.

The spies' performance of Act English is a highlight and strangely accurate at times. Their comic lines include such quips as 'Can't I be English-speaking and Vulgar? No, then you would be American.'

There are no real weak links in this production which is enhanced by some incredibly lively and colourful numbers from the whole company such as Me Ol' Bamboo and Toot Sweets.

The set smoothly switches from the family's Windmill home, to the Scrumptious Sweet Factory to Vulgaria. Though the real wow factor in the show is, of course, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang itself. The appliance of science and technology really bring the star of the show to life with truly magical effect.

A wonderful production of an iconic children's favourite that continues to delight young and old alike. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we still love you.

Runs at the Hippodrome until September 18.

By Diane Davies