Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Congress Theatre Eastbourne
Tuesday 19th – Sunday 24th November 2024
The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical is a fun whirlwind of music, dance and magic that has the audience captivated from start to finish.
Packed with energy and charm, it’s clear why this classic tale has remained a family favourite for generations.
The story follows the quirky inventor Caractacus Potts as he, his children Jeremy and Jemima and Truly Scrumptious embark on an adventure in a car that’s far from ordinary.
Adam Garcia (Wicked, Coyote Ugly) takes on the role of Caractacus with a natural warmth and charisma, combining his acting skills with some seriously impressive dance moves during the standout number Me ‘Ol Bam-Boo.
Ellie Nunn brings Truly Scrumptious to life with a blend of elegance, wit and a voice that soars in every song. Huge credit to Melody Caruana and Huxley Syers as Jeremy and Jemima. Both children deliver confident performances, their vocals hitting all the right notes and their chemistry on stage feeling genuinely heartwarming. We predict big things for these two.
Emmerdale star Liam Fox plays Grandpa Potts perfectly with the character’s trademark quirkiness and repetitive stories as well as a fun performance of POSH which brought the house down.
The ensemble cast is a powerhouse of talent, filling big production numbers like Toot Sweets and The Bombie Samba with infectious energy and jaw-dropping choreography. Their lifts, tricks, synchronisation and energy are a feast for the eyes.
The villains of the piece, the eccentric Vulgarians, are unforgettable. Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner as the Baron and Baroness bring riotous hilarity to every scene they’re in.
Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph as Boris and Goran deliver comedy gold with their antics, particularly during tongue-in-cheek song Act English. They don’t just try to steal the car; they almost steal the whole show.
Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne’s portrayal of the Child Catcher is truly spine-chilling. Their haunting performance and eerie yet camp physicality leave a lasting impression, showing off their acting chops and reminding everyone why this character remains one of theatre’s most sinister figures.
Of course, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang herself is a showstopper. The car’s flying scenes are visually stunning and met with audible gasps from the audience. A minor technical hiccup after the interval doesn’t detract from the spectacle, proving the magic of live theatre.
With a mix of laugh-out-loud moments, dazzling dancing, catchy songs and a sprinkling of theatrical magic, this production is everything a family musical should be.
The well-earned standing ovation at the end is a testament to a production that has something for everyone. It’s heart, humour and high-flying fun rolled into one unforgettable experience that the audience loved.
Review of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the Musical – 5 stars
The Brighton Bucket List 