Scrumptious production leaves you walking on air

DAVID GALE

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
Milton Keynes Theatre

With shows like this one in Milton Keynes there is a danger you are constantly drawn back to the iconic moments from the movie and you judge accordingly.

But such is the passion of the actors matched by some excellent scenery, this show doesn't give you the chance, While true to the film it brings a freshness all of its own.

There are the classic singalong songs you would expect to hand and foot clap your way through but there are also some new clever touches and songs throughout.

Darren Bennett plays the lead role as loveable inventor Caractacus Potts with a smile and a swagger of an actor clearly loving his chance to perform this musical, while Katie Ray was a note perfect foil as Truly Scrumptious.

Kim Ismay was excellent as Baroness Bomburst, particularly her asides to the audience I have dubbed as Vulgarian chavness! John Griffiths occupied the hot seat – or rather toilet seat – as Grandpa Potts. A strong performance which saluted to the genius of the late great Lionel Jeffries.

Then HE appeared. It was only the briefest of glimpses before the close of act one but it was enough to trigger a reaction in the darkest place of my mind.

Suddenly I was eight years old again. A crash of thunder and a bolt of lightning and there in all his twisted majesty was The Childcatcher.

For me Sir Robert Helpman’s performance in the 1968 film will never be surpassed, but Dean Maynard does well to bring one of the stage and screens scariest villains alive.

One noticeable character extension or extensions from the film are the parts of Boris and Goran, the Vulgarian spies, played superbly by Richard Ashton and Nigel Garton.

Their comedy moments were pure panto, packed with innuendo and slapstick, a real treat and an obvious favourite with the audience.

But the real star of the show, well that has to be reserved for our fine four-fendered friend Chitty herself.

Jeremy Clarkson could only dream of getting behind the wheel of such a motor car.

I never thought the sight of seeing a car fly would make me smile so much.

The moment when she takes off for the first time has to be seen to be believed. It is a technical triumph and I defy anyone to work out how they are doing it – it is that good.

Chitty is pure escapist fantasy, goodness knows we all need a slice of that every so often don’t we. If you do one thing this month try and see Chitty as it will put a smile on your face.

I celebrity spotted Christopher Biggins in the audience while I was there loving every second of it.

I will leave you with this last thought… ice creams, lollipops and all free… sweet dreams!