Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

Music & Lyrics: Richard M. Sherman & Robert B. Sherman 

Director: Thom Southerland

“Magically Nostalgic“

4.5 / 5

New Wimbledon Theatre have reserved a parking space for one of the world’s most iconic cars – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, for a week before it flies off to the next venue as part of their magically nostalgic tour.  

This family friendly show pays brilliant homage to the original 1968 movie, going above and beyond to create a memorable experience for the whole audience – with children and adults alike in awe of the fabulously floating car. Following the original storyline, madcap inventor and single father Caractacus Potts (Adam Garcia) is always tinkering around with a new machine or gadget, to make his mark on the world as well as earn money to help raise his children. Their obsession with a car at the local junk yard encourages him to turn his hand to rebuilding it, not quite realising how special it really is. But the Potts family aren’t the only one interested in the magical motor – Villanous Baron Bombust (Martin Callaghan) and his wife (Jenny Gayner) are used to getting their own way and decide they’ll do anything to get their hands on it, so sends their two spies Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goron (Michael Joseph) to steal it from the family. A pantomime style adventure ensues that is impossible not to be completely enthralled by.  

Garcia is fantastic in his lead role, playing the doting father with wonderful tenderness during his rendition of ‘Hushabye Mountain’ and ‘You Two’, contrasting with his brilliantly energetic performance of ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’. Charlie Brooks as the child-catcher has a very fleeting role that feels underutilised during the production, especially considering the lasting impact the child catcher story had in the original movie. It would be great to see her more on stage but regardless, she is able to turn her hand to a villain role easily as always. The stand-out performers without a doubt – are Callaghan, Gayner, Stafford and Joseph, who bring fantastic comedic timing and expertly performed scenes every single time they are on stage. The ‘Act English’ musical number brilliantly solidifies Joseph and Stafford as an entertaining double act, and ‘Chu-Chi Face’ showcase Gayner and Callaghan’s exaggerated excellence.  

Of course, in a show as grand as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – credit must go to the impeccable choreography (Karen Bruce) that has the entire cast in superb synchronicity. Each routine is well-rehearsed and fabulously performed, working harmoniously with the brilliantly designed, and very frequent costume and set changes (Morgan Large, Lee Tassie) that keep the variety and energy high for the entire production.  

This wonderfully, feel-good family show is an absolute gem – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we really do love you.  
 
Runs Until 26 May 2024 then continues to tour