Beloved across generations, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains a film that people gladly rewatch time and time again. First adapted for the stage in the early 2000s with runs in both the West End and on Broadway, it has returned to the UK in a brand-new production.
Many screen-to-stage musicals face require changes to translate on stage, and this adaptation is no exception. While some adjustments were successful, others resulted in the loss of the magic of the original 1968 blockbuster. Ultimately this version feels more like a pantomime than a full-fledged musical, which may disappoint some fans of the film wanting that nostalgic charm. Much of the humour leans too much to the childish side, with fart jokes and squeaky-voiced villains reminiscent of panto. That said, a wacky samba scene injects some much-needed fun and excitement, which the audience lapped up.
The music by the late Sherman brothers is as superb. Having also written legendary scores for Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, the music in Chitty has undoubtedly also stood the test of time and is as memorable as ever. The title song had the entire audience enthusiastically clapping along and it was in these moments that the show was at its best.
Sadly, the pacing of the show makes these moments feel too few and far between, with the first act alone coming in at 1 hour and 20 minutes which feels too long for a family show. Although the film itself is long, the narrative isn’t particularly complex, and the show could benefit from a careful edit to ensure it stays engaging throughout.
While the full cast gives commendable performances, Charlie Brooks steals the show completely as the Childcatcher. Known for her ability to portray sinister characters, she brought the right amount of menace without going overboard. This struck the perfect balance between being genuinely intimidating but not so frightening as to be overwhelming for younger audience members.
One of the most eagerly awaited moments is when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang soars into the sky, and it lives up to any hype and expectation. The car doesn’t just hover; it spins gracefully mid-air and tilts dramatically! What’s even more impressive is that this spectacle simply isn't reserved for just the final moments; the audience gets to experience it multiple times throughout the show. Had the set design had a similar investment and the comedy had wider appeal, this production could have been truly magical.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is on at Manchester Palace Theatre until Sunday 16 March 2025.
Note: My ticket was gifted in exchange for an honest review