Chitty Chitty Bang Bang arrives at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

BRIGHT, beautiful and a little bit bonkers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang touched down at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre this week for a spectacular family adventure.

With direction from Thom Southerland and choreography by Karen Bruce, the production was fine-tuned to perfection with a top-notch cast, spellbinding song-and-dance routines and enough theatrical magic to convince the audience that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang really did possess the power to fly!

Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children, made into film in 1968, the production featured incredible costumes and design by Morgan Large.

The story begins as devoted father and bonkers inventor Caractacus Potts (Ore Oduba) is determined to make his children’s dreams come true by saving a former racing car from being melted down into parts. But as Potts tries raise the funds, the arrival of Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn) soon leads to a whole new set of problems.

Meanwhile in Vulgaria, the wicked Baron (Hadrian Delacey) and his child-hating wife (Jenny Gayner) are also intent of acquiring the magical racing car by any means possible. With that in mind they dispatch their hilarious henchmen Boris (Callum Train) and Goran (Michael Joseph) to do their dirty work.

Both duos made absolutely superb double acts – with the cringeworthy love scenes between the baron and baroness played out to brilliant comic effect.

Melody Caruana and Huxley Syers were magnificent as young Potts children Jemima and Jeremy, dancing and acting beautiful with plenty of humour and huge stage presence. Ore Oduba was perfect as their eccentric father Caractacus, producing a crazy collection of brilliant and bizarre inventions in a bid to support his family. A last-minute casting change meant Adam Stafford stepped up for the role of Caractacus’s mad father Grandpa Potts. However, if this was not announced I would never have guessed as he was excellent in the role.

Ellie Nunn was everything you could wish for as Truly Scrumptious with a superb voice particularly showcased in the wonderful Doll on A Music Box duo with Ore Oduba.

Charlie Brooks was suitably menacing in the sinister role of the Childcatcher – and the young chorus of children were utterly delightful.

First-class choreography ensured the wonderful ensemble had plenty of opportunities to shine with a musical score that included the favourites Me Ol’ Bamboo, You Too and Hushabye Mountain. There were many high notes of the magnificent production but the scenes where Chitty soared high on a starry night were truly magical.

Adding to the excitement on press night, the team from Beaulieu Motor Museum brought along a stunning replica Chitty, to greet crowds arriving at the Pavilion.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at the Pavilion Theatre until Sunday. For tickets visit. www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk