Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Today I will be talking about my visit to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which I saw on 28th October 2023, performed by the Nottingham Operatic Society at the Theatre Royal Nottingham.
This tells the story of eccentric inventor Caratacus Potts, who restores an old racecar with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima, and then discovering it's magical qualities. They then join forces with Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts to stop the car being taken by Baron and Baroness Bomburst, their henchmen and The Childcatcher from stealing the car for themselves.
Each and every aspect of this production was special in it's own way. Here are some of my stand out moments.
The ensemble were just as powerful as they helped bring the show together, and each
having their own characters. One person was Owen pattern, who I had the pleasure of performing Salad Days with. He played many roles including a Chef (where he kept shouting
“the tasting”), a Turkey Plucker and an Inventor. He definitely did deserve a gold medal, as he managed to differentiate each character, based on voice, tone and posture. Well done,
Owen.
Some of the leading actors were fantastic. The two Vulgrian guardians were Boris and Goran played by Nathan Curzon and Alison Hope. They were the perfect comedy duo, with little mannerisms, making even the pauses the funniest moments. I also loved how they tried to be “British” and saying the classic phrases, as even those are hilarious in itself.
One of my favourite actors in the show was Emma Shcute, who played Truly Scrumptious, the daughter of Lord Scrumptious, the owner of a candy company. Her voice was beautiful, her interaction with Jeremy and Jemima was faultless and her chemistry with Caratacus Potts (played by Bara Erhayiem, who was also a star in the making) was gorgeous to see. If she's not in the west end soon, then a petition needs to be made ASAP.
Leo Hollingsworth and Grace Hindle, who played Jeremy and Jemima Potts, were also a treat to see. They were very confident, their voices were beautiful and they gave off a beautiful performance as the two siblings. The fact that they were young as well, and able to perform to an iconic venue in Nottingham was insane. I don't know what pressure they were under, but they did not look nervous at all. And if they can pull it off at the young age they are, then I know they'll do amazing things in the future.
There were many highlights for me that stood out, one of which was the innuendoes. These included the mention of Spotted Dick (which is of course a traditional British dish, but at one point it referenced something else which I should say, lol) and also some saucy moments between Baron and Baroness Bomburst (played by Simon Theoblad and Kate Williams), who was also very brilliant singers and dancers. That moment in particular where they danced to "Chu-Chi Face" made me question if it should be in a family show.
Another stand out moment for me was the car itself. I feel that this was what made the show look like something off of the West End, and that you wouldn't think it was an amateur production. I often wondered how the cast felt when they went in the car when it flew, as I would find it nerve wracking. But regardless if they were nervous or not, it didn't show, and they managed to pull it off, with it flying over the audience.
The only downside to the show was not actually from the performers itself, but there were a couple of kids who I couldn't help but get annoyed. I know that children will play up, but if they're going to play up, don't bring them into something like this. there was also one who couldn't help but tap my arm and leg. Whilst I may not know what goes on in their life, they should've seen my land yard and that they should tell their child not to do that. Controversial I know, but the parents should know and inform their children of my boundaries.
The final moments of the show was the songs. the obvious one being the theme of film (which I couldn't help but tap along) and Hushabye Mountain. That one in particular was beautiful, and so special. But songs I have not heard but couldn't help but tap along was "Truly Scrumptious" and "Doll on a music box". They were ones which to this day I still get the tune in my head to this day.
Overall, I would give the show a 4.75. It was fun, quirky and now it's made me want to watch the film even more.
I hope you enjoyed this review, and I'll see you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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