Agency by William Gibson 
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang brought a touch of magic to The Regent Theatre, in Hanley, this week.
The evergreen children’s classic has been given an all singing, all dancing stage makeover (literally) bringing the classic tale to a whole new generation through the stage show.
The much-loved story follows the plot to steal the magical car after it was picked up by widower Caractacus Potts and his two children.
Beginning with a glimpse into the car’s racing history, the show follows its journey to the inventor’s house where it is given a new lease of life – and in turn takes the family on an adventure to Vulgaria and into the path of the child-catcher.
A great story that has really stood the test of time, the stage show cleverly combines the storytelling along with excellent choreography and the songs made famous in the screen musical.
But it is the car that truly delivers the magic, with the scenery and stagecraft bringing the car to life for to the delight of the audience.
Adam Garcia is excellent as doting dad Caractacus Potts, exuding warmth and with a great singing voice, while Huxley Syers as Jeremy Potts and Melody Caruana were fantastic as his children, winning over the crowd with the likeable portrayal and their confidence. The family unit is completed with Liam Fox playing Grandpa Potts – one of the shows great characters, talking endlessly about war.
The family dynamic is built upon throughout the play by the wonderful Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious.
A play targeting a younger audience, along with fans of the film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang draws out several of the characters to serve up panto-style caricatures to the stage to deliver laughs as well as adding an element of welcome chaos to proceedings.
The Baron and Baroness, played by Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner, offer a madcap romance amid their already unfathomable world where children are banned. While The Vivienne as the child catcher is a fantastic panto-style villain stalking around the stage.
The bizarre ramblings of Boris (played by Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph) further add to the fun as miniature cars whizz past.
A combination of all parts, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a great family show with well loved songs, excellent acting, and stunningly synchronised dance routines injecting life and fun into the story at every turn.
A great way to bring this story to life, the stage show turns Chitty Chitty Bang Bang into a magical experience.
Catch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, until Saturday, November 16 – buy your tickets online.
CNM
