Or should it be called Chitty Chitty Wow Wow!? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Birmingham Hippodrome is the place to be this week with the magical and much-loved musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. With show-stopping choreography to jaw-dropping special effects, it was no surprise that the audience jumped to a standing ovation before the end of the curtain call.
Leading the show with effortless charm was Ore Oduba (Pretty Woman, Strictly Come Dancing winner, The Rocky Horror Show) as the eccentric yet lovable Caractacus Potts. A dad everyone wishes they had. He was joined by the wonderful Liam Fox (Emmerdale) as Grandpa Potts, bringing plenty of warmth and humour to the role and Ellie Nunn (Eastenders) as the fabulous leading lady, Truly Scrumptious.
Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gaynor played the roles of the baron and baroness so well, ensuring the audience were giggling lots. But the most laughter (real heart felt roars) came from scenes by Adam Stafford (Boris) and Michael Joseph (Goran) who were so hilarious.
It’s an incredibly talented cast, from the main characters, including Gracie Cochrane and Roshan Thomson, who played the roles of Jemima and Jeremy Potts, to the ensemble.
Charlie Brooks (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, EastEnders) delivered a chilling performance as the Childcatcher, a role she returned to following the sad passing of The Vivienne, who had also been cast in the role. Liam Fox gave a lovely dedication to The Vivienne after the performance, “This one’s for you mate”.
Directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), this production is an absolute delight to watch. Both visually and musically. The choreography by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) brought high-energy numbers to life with both precision and flair (the musical box scene was brilliant and so well choreographed).
Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) has worked his magic once again with the well thought out set design, which seamlessly transports the audience from the Potts’ quirky windmill home to the far-off, villainous world of Vulgaria.
The music is just as catchy as ever. Iconic songs by the Sherman Brothers – including “Toot Sweets,” “Hushabye Mountain,” “Truly Scrumptious,” and the unmissable title song “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” – had the audience singing along with glee (especially a lovely ambulance driver sat next to me, who was a pleasure to listen to – you could just feel the happiness eminate from him). The live orchestra added an extra layer of magic to an already showstopping performance. Isn’t there something special about live music!
Based on Ian Fleming’s classic children’s story (which later became the beloved 1968 film), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang follows the heartwarming journey of Caractacus Potts and his children, Jemima and Jeremy, as they restore a broken-down racing car, only to discover it has magical powers. With the delightful Truly Scrumptious and the ever-witty Grandpa Potts by their side, they embark on a fantastical adventure that has audiences of all ages utterly captivated.
From show-stopping musical numbers to incredible effects (yes, Chitty really does fly!), this production is an absolute must-see. It’s got heart, plenty of humour, and nostalgia that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. A magical night out for all of the family!
Book your tickets here, but be quick before they fly away.
Disclaimer, we were invited along for the opening press performance.