This family classic keeps on flying it
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Verdict: a fast-paced musical delight
I’M SURE everyone knows the story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — it starts with inventor Caractacus Potts (Jason Manford) accompanied by Truly Scrumptious (Amy Griffiths), and his children Jeremy and Jemima saving and refurbishing a former race car. The motor later turns out to have magical properties, and what follows is a mad escapade involving a flying car.
However, the greedy, toy-loving Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria (Phill Jupitus) sets out to capture the magical car for his collection. Meanwhile, his wife (Michelle Collins) employs the dreaded Childcatcher (Martin Kemp) to rid their kingdom of children.
Having broken all box office records in the West End, it’s easy to see why this fun-filled production is doing so well at Bord Gáis. Children and adults alike will love this. Songs and dances are executed in superb fashion, and you can’t help but feel great while watching these performances.
There’s lots of comedy in there as well, with secret agent duo, Boris (Sam Harrison) and Goran (Scott Paige) sent to England to steal the car. This pair make a brilliant comic duo.
At the end of the first act, the story reaches a high point, quite literally, with he musical’s eponymous song in sync with the flying car.
When Act 2 starts, you can feel the audience getting a little unnerved as a more sinister element emerges — the dreaded Childcatcher, played the excellently cast (and suitably evil) Martin Kemp.
From the stunning set design to the special effects this is definitely one not to miss — in fact, bring the whole family along.
UNTIL March 13 with matinee and evening performances, visit bordgaisenergytheatre.ie or call 01 677 7999. Tickets available at ticketmaster.ie from €20