The much-loved family favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, has taken the stage at the Grand Opera House in Belfast, and it’s a delightful experience for all ages. With a star-studded cast including Adam Garcia (Wicked, Kiss Me Kate, Coyote Ugly) as Caractacus Potts, Liam Fox (Emmerdale) as Grandpa Potts and Charlie Brooks (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, EastEnders) as the Child Catcher, this production stays true to the heart of the original film while adding its own vibrant energy.
When it comes to taking an iconic film and producing it for the stage you can often be victim to the audience not feeling like they got the whole sense of the story they know and love, this wasn’t the case with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang where writer Jeremy Sams has managed to stay true to the original film whilst creating a vibrant, exciting, lively stage production.
The story follows the absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts (played brilliantly by Garcia) as he restores a magical car with the help of his children and the charming Truly Scrumptious. Their fantastical adventure to far-off lands is brought to life with stunning set design, choreography, and unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers.
Adam Garcia makes for the perfect Caractacus Potts as he walks in the very big shoes of Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke while Ellie Nunn brings the well known Sally Ann Howes Character Truly Scrumptious to life in a beautiful and wholesome way.
A special mention must go to Ayrton English and Jasmine Nyenya who played Jeremy and Jemima with eloquence and vibrancy.
The creative team behind the production deserves high praise. Director Thom Southerland, choreographer Karen Bruce, and designer Morgan Large have created a visually stunning and engaging spectacle. The scene transitions are seamless, and the use of the car throughout the show is clever and surprising.
The music is, of course, a highlight. The Sherman Brothers’ timeless songs, including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and the Academy Award-nominated title track Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, are performed with gusto by the talented cast and orchestra.
I attended the production with my 11-year-old son Logan who said: “I thought the show, I really liked it, I thought it was really creative the way they set up the show itself.
“I thought the way they showed the car throughout the production was very clever and I don’t want to ruin the surprise for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet.
“I haven’t seen the movie but now I really want to as the characters were interesting, fun and funny.”
This show is definitely a must see before the show closes on Saturday.
Recommended for Ages 5+
Running Time: 2hrs 30mins (includes interval)
Book your tickets at goh.co.uk/whats-on/chitty-