Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has flown into Melbourne with as much infectious energy as its title song. Based on the beloved 1968 children's film (and Ian Fleming's novel), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a joyous musical experience for all ages.
Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (David Hobson) and his children Jemima (Lucille Le Meledo) and Jeremy (Beau Woodbridge) are fond of an old Grand Prix racing car which has been reduced to rubble.
In a bid to save the car from being melted down, Jemima and Jeremy convince their father to raise the 30 shillings required to purchase the car.
Caractacus restores it to its former glory – except for its noisy engine, leading to its name ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. Unlucky for the Potts family, and new upper class friend Truly Scrumptious (Rachael Beck), Vulgarian spies are on a mission to steal Chitty for Baron Bomburst (Alan Brough).
An international chase ensues to the tough land of Vulgaria, where children are forbidden and the land is ruled by the childish Baron and his enabling wife (Jennifer Vuletic).
The Sherman brothers’ score encapsulates the joy of the quest, but will be of most enjoyment to dedicated fans of the film. ‘Hushabye Mountain’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ are highlights.
The film’s Child Catcher scenes (starring Australian extraordinaire Robert Helpmann) were recently voted one of the most frightening ever filmed. Fittingly, Tyler Coppin (known for portraying Helpmann) takes the reins here, his prowling across the stage enticing "boos" from the children in the audience – surely the biggest compliment a villain can receive.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
I just wish the Child Catcher had more stage time!
Boris (Todd Goddard) and Goran (an unrecognisable Georg Kapiniaris) steal the show as the pair of Vulgarian goons. The physical comedy is perfectly timed and well executed, particularly in 'Act English'. Alan Brough and Jennifer Vuletic had me in stitches as Vulgarian’s trivial leaders.
Although at times I found it difficult to distinguish between Caractacus’ awkward character and Hobson finding his feet on the musical theatre stage, the Tenor makes up it for with beautiful vocals. Rachael Beck is in fine form as heroine Truly. The always delightful Peter Carroll brings energy and wit to the role of Grandpa Potts.
I was fortunate to see the London Palladium production in its closing weeks, and although wonderful to see a fresh local design, the settings (Anthony Ward) in particular lacked the grandeur of the original production.
This was most noticeable with fairly bare settings for the interior of Potts' house, although I’m sure the target audience of children were more than satisfied with the spectacle. Costumes (also by Ward), however, were lovely, capturing the era nicely.
The real star of the show was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang itself. The direction of Chitty’s first flight was far more spectacular than what I recall in London – it's a breathtaking moment for children and adults alike – and you really can't spot any of the mechanics at play here.
Do your children a favour and introduce a new generation to this timeless story.
