Review: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG at The Hawth, Crawley

 

Date: 20th August 2024

Seat: R15

Tickets: Gifted

Rating: 4 Stars 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is something we’ve all grown up with; it’s just always been there, reliable and faithful as the car itself, so what would it be like on stage? Could it be just as heart-warming and nostalgia-inducing? The answer is yes – the show is full of charm, energy, and just the right amount of nostalgia. If you love the film, you’ll love the show; there are even some extra song and dance numbers thrown in. 

One of the things that really makes a show like Chitty, much like the film itself, is the cast, and this cast is an exceptional one. Adam Garcia shone as Caractacus Potts, bringing warmth and charisma to the role, and his performance of “Hushabye Mountain” was beautifully heartfelt, and his playful banter with Ellie Nunn’s Truly Scrumptious was spot-on. She’s a modern-day Truly, trousers and all, and it works for a modern-day audience without taking away anything that makes the character special. 

Photo credit: Paul Coltas

Speaking of Ellie Nunn, she was a joy to watch; her voice was perfect for the role, and she brought a lovely mix of elegance and humour to Truly. The chemistry between her and Garcia was natural and believable, making their scenes together a highlight of the show. 

Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts was full of fun, giving the character just the right amount of eccentricity and doing a pretty good impression of Lionel Jeffries. His comedic timing was excellent, and he had the audience chuckling with every scene. The relationship between Caractacus and Grandpa was genuinely touching, adding an extra layer of warmth to the story. 

Now, the villains! Charlie Brooks made a chilling Childcatcher, bringing just the right amount of menace without it feeling too heavy for a family show – I still had chills though; I can’t hear the word ‘lollipops’ without summoning up the Childcatcher, and I think that’s a trauma many people of my generation aren’t getting over any time soon! Brooks’ performance was a great balance of sinister and theatrical, perfect for the role. Jenny Gayner as the Baroness and Hadrian Delacey as the Baron were a hilarious duo, playing up the absurdity of their characters and keeping the laughs coming, especially during “Bombie Samba,” which was a riot of colour and comedy. 

Photo credit: Paul Coltas

The real star, though, was Chitty herself. The car was a technical marvel, and every time it took flight, the audience was captivated. The effects and lighting really brought the magic of the story to life and there’s something truly special about seeing that iconic car soar on stage to the point where there was an audible gasp from the kids (and adults, to be fair) sitting near me when she took off – it’s a gorgeous sight, and even after all these years of seeing countless pieces of theatre, it’s one that filled me with giddy glee.

The ensemble cast brought great energy, with lively choreography and vibrant costumes that added to the show’s playful atmosphere, and the music, of course, is timeless, and every number was met with enthusiastic applause. The whole production was a joyful celebration of classic family theatre. 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Hawth was a fantastic experience. Whether you’re a fan of the original or seeing it for the first time, it’s a show full of fun, heart, and a lot of memorable moments. If you get the chance, I’d highly recommend taking a trip to see it—

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is truly a fantasmagorical treat that soars above and beyond. 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang plays at The Hawth until 25^th August 2024 before continuing on tour: https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth/whats-on/chitty-chitty-bang-bang 

Tour dates can be found here: https://chittyontour.com/