Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Sheffield Lyceum

High Flying Fantasy with scrumptious special effects.

With Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman the well-known 1968 children’s musical fantasy film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in its stage adaptation by Jeremy Sams soars into the Sheffield Lyceum. With the original book written by the Bond/007 creator Ian Fleming and direction by Thom Southerland, choreography by Karen Bruce and Morgan Large as Set and Costume Designer this production as all the elements to fly high… literally!! The eight piece orchestra sound ‘toot sweet’ under the baton of MD Jessica Viner filling the auditorium with the familiar and much loved tunes right from the opening Entr’Acte.

The Story – Inventor Caractacus Potts transforms an old race car into a magical flying vehicle that transports him and his children Jemima and Jeremy and their new found friend Truly Scrumptious, to the Kingdom of Vulgaria where our heroes and heroines pit their wits against the evil Baron and Baroness. Helped by the Toymaker and the bumbling turncoat spies – Boris and Goran, in a land that children are captured and spirited away without a trace by The Childcatcher, will they find the missing children and restore normality? And what part will Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the named car play, in the daring adventure? And will there be a happy ever after for the Potts family?

The set comprises mainly of travelling crates that are moved about the stage by the well-rehearsed cast to create boundaries such as walls and podiums. Specialist props such as the inventions created by Caractacus are both magical and detailed, each working in its own right. However, the opening scene of the race track may have been a ‘lap’ too far for children or those unfamiliar with the concept of a race meet in the audience – however the stylish choreography smoothly corners the hairpin bend and sets the standard for the whole production. Ben Cracknell’s lighting design works well and there are some lovely, almost comedic use of puppetry which add to the ’pantomime’ feel of the production – ideal for children. The show does take a while to introduce the whole cast and backstories, but like all good races it is the final straight that holds the excitement and the memories!

The whole cast are stellar and Martin Callaghan as the baffled Baron and Jenny Gayner as his hilarious Baroness add the more adult humour and are perfect in role. Gayner’s Bombie Samba is an admirable and ‘colourful’ highlight! Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts has the perfect combination of air headed and tender and his moments with the children are very touching. His singing and dancing (watch out for Me Ol’ Bamboo) are as expected – first class. Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious is a real powerhouse both in skill, stage presence and in her excellent singing vocals. Jemima Potts was played by Gracie Cochrane on the evening I saw the show, and this young lady really is one to watch out for – exceptional performance. Jeremy Potts was played by Roshan Thomson and collectively their pairing worked very well.

The show stealers, with the most humorous lines are without doubt Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph), this pairing are rehearsed to perfection and have exquisite physical comedic timing. The pairing lifted this production to a higher height! Callum Train had the most difficult role of the night, having to replace The Vivienne, after they/them recent and untimely death, and had been due to appear at Sheffield on the tour. Train did the role justice and with a dignity befitting of the occasion. The Vivienne was sensitively remembered to the audience at the end of the show by Adam Garcia, with tears from many in the cast.

The large ensemble are choreographically sharp and very busy throughout the whole performance and add much to the ambience. But the absolute star of the show has to be the car – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in its air defying splendour – spinning and turning, pirouetting and swooping with no visible anchorage point – this really is very impressive! Oh, and paintwork on the car is beautiful!

This fantastical family spectacle flies full throttle in the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 1^st March 2025. Fast your seatbelts and be prepared to be amazed, as this soaring production stuns. Tickets are available from the Sheffield Theatre Box Office.

Reviewer: Tracey Bell

Reviewed: 18th February 2025

North West End UK Rating: