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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
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I have memories of this film being terrifying, and I remember going to see a stage show in Edinburgh and being quite scared, whereas this production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is more like a pantomime version. With Elaine C Smith as the child catcher it shouldn’t give anyone nightmares for the traditional reasons, although some of the sexual connotations between other characters were perhaps a bit much for a family show.
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Taken as a standalone production in its own right this is a fun, well done show. It has an amazing cast, a very large cast for a stage, and some advanced production techniques including the infamous flying car.
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The story follows two children, played by Charlie McGuire and Isla Ithier on the evening I was there, who are in love with the remnants of a British Grand Prix car that ends up in a junkyard. They convince their inventor father to buy the car for them as they are convinced that there is something magical about it. He spends quite some time doing it up and then indeed it proves to have magical qualities and takes them on adventures as the Baron from foreign lands tries to steal it from them.
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The Volgarian characters are particularly hilarious, especially the two chaps, Boris aka Adam Stafford and Goran aka Michael Joseph, that he sent to find the car for him. Their song about trying to “Act English” had me in stitches. The Baroness played by Jenny Gayner was also hilarious with her gagging reflex every time anyone mentioned children and her scantily clad seduction of her birthday boy husband, played by Martin Callaghan.
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Unfortunately the advertised star, Adam Garcia, was unable to perform in this show, but you would not have known that his substitute was an understudy as Callum Train was absolutely fantastic in the role. I had not gone for the celebrity element anyway so there was no disappointment caused, and he had good stage energy with Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious.
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The star of the show, as should be expected, was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang herself. A phenomenal looking car which can float and fly, who could ask for more! She spun, flashed her lights and saved the day! Just glorious! This show is well worth a watch, although I personally was glad not to have youngsters with me as some of the innuendo and raunchiness was a bit much for a family show.
Further information: https://chittyontour.com/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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