Having seen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang performed by The Island Savoyards in 2019, part of me was looking forward to seeing some of the most experienced and skilled Island actors reprise their roles alongside two highly talented young people taking on the roles that their older and equally talented siblings had performed back then, and part of me was wondering whether I really needed to see this show again. Well believe me I did. This version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was every bit as, spectacular and phantasmagorical as the last.
The main roles of Caractacus Potts and Truly Scrumptious are in the very safe hands of Luke Cumberpatch and Emily Scotcher who played the roles seven years ago (was it really that long??). Luke brings his strong vocals and wonderful sense of fun to this character if anything ‘out van Dyking’ Dick Van Dyke who famously created the role in the film. His relationship with his two young stage children was touching, funny and mesmerising. Emily is of course the ultimate Truly Scrumptious, from her indignant entrance on her malfunctioning motorbike right through to her performance as a painted doll in the climactic scene. Her amazing body control added to her beautiful soprano voice, now delicate, now soaring, makes her perfect for this role.
I was lucky enough to watch Lennon Sales and Polly Careless play Jeremy and Jemima Potts (Caractacus’ children) from the wings as I helped out with the show they were in, and then to see Charlie Dickson and Maisie Walker-Green in the same roles that evening. I have to say that both pairs are amazing. For children of this age to take on such iconic roles demands an awful lot from them, and all four children engage the audience from the start with their enthusiasm for the rusty old car that Chitty started out as, along with characterisation beyond their years and beautiful singing voices. In most shows it would be easy to say one team had a slight edge on the other; in this case each child is equally stunning – whichever which ever team you get to see, you are in for an absolute treat with these incredibly talented young actors.
From youth to slightly more mature performers, Paul Stevens (Lennon‘s real life grandad), brings his vast stage experience to the hilarious portrayal of Grandpa Potts. Equally hilarious are William Nixon and Olivia Pike as Baron and Baroness Bomburst of Vulgaria. From the beginning, they bring hilariously over the top panto type comedy characterisation but they really come into their own in their duet Chu-Chi Face, showcasing incredible vocals alongside perfect comedy timing.
More hilarity is provided by the two Vulgarian spies Boris and Goran – or should we say Doris and Gordon – played by Paul Smith and Andy Kay. This was another comedy partnership made in heaven and their antics kept the audiences laughing– and they also demonstrated a couple of extremely talented singing voices.
Even the minor roles are taken on by actors with great stage experience: John Woodford as the toy maker; David Kast as Lord Scrumptious; Myk Hooper as Mr Coggins; Jon Idle as Junkman and Rebecca Finch as Miss Phillips all demonstrated why they are well known on Island stages.
Another highlight of the show was the quality of the choreography, and choreographer Izzy Rudd should be highly congratulated for the routines she created for these talented dancing team. I particularly loved the energetic routine accompanying the song Me Ol’ Bamboo in particular.
The ensemble, made up of adults and two teams of children – again I was lucky enough to see both the Yellow Team and the Red Team in action – effectively provide background characters throughout, ranging from town folk in England to the Vulgarian Court and in the children’s case a wonderful portrayal of the children hiding from the Child Catcher.
Which brings me on to that iconic role, again portrayed by Ben Spurling. Although a small, one might almost say cameo role, Ben makes the character his own. And yes, he was booed every time he came on the stage, quite rightly.
Of course, as a Curtain Call production you would expect high musical standards and the singing was effectively supported by the orchestra led by Andrew Woodford, Musical Director for the show: he, alongside Tony Wright the Director and all the creatives involved in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can be very very proud of what they have achieved.
Yes, the car. This one was indeed phantasmagorical as it soared above the stage and moved around with apparent ease. But however wonderful the car, it could not eclipse the sheer talent around it onstage, and I have to say it truly is not the car that made this amazing show but the quality of the actors, singers and dancers sharing the stage with it.
From the smallest child in the ensemble to the principal characters, they were absolute proof that “teamwork makes the dream work“. As I write there are a couple more chances to witness this wonderful show – on a damp Sunday do yourselves a favour and take advantage of them.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Shanklin Theatre
