This amateur production directed by Jack Edwards, Artistic Director of The King’s Theatre, and produced by Paul Wolff is an absolute triumph.
Based on the 1968 film the story centres around an inventor, Caractacus Potts, and his two children, Jeremy and Jemima.
The children spend many happy times playing in an old racing car but when they hear that the car will be sold for scrap they plead with their father to buy it.
After various ventures to raise the money he eventually manages to do so and turns it into a spectacular shiny vehicle. But, this is no ordinary car and brings with it plenty of adventures.
You could definitely be mistaken that you are watching a professional show as the talent, seamless set changes, lighting, costumes, and music are outstanding, .
Paul Clements is a graceful yet flamboyant Caractacus Potts who is also blessed with a beautiful singing voice. His rendition of ‘Hushabye Mountain’ was stunning and he sustained the long notes during this song with absolute skill.
Cohen Bates and Jemima May Rees were delightful as Jeremy and Jemima Potts and played their roles with an abundance of enthusiasm and energy.
The relationship between Caractacus and his children was also heart-warming and believable.
Georgia Deloise was at first a rather prickly Truly Scrumptious when she first meets Caractacus and his children but she definitely showed her softer side and was truly superb. Her singing voice rang around the theatre like a bell, particularly during, ‘Lovely, Lonely Man’.
One of my favourite scenes in the film is when the Baron is presented with his birthday presents and this part of the story was performed to perfection.
Her performance as a life-sized doll held me in awe, particularly as it involves creating jerky but precise movements whilst singing and turning around in a circle.
Talking of the Baron, John Bettesworth was a delight to watch and demonstrated his huge talent as a comedy performer. He was complemented by the fabulous Andee Jordan, his Baroness who was simply brilliant.
There are some wonderfully funny scenes between them, but the telephone scene was fabulous and the Bombie Samba was one of my favourite moments in the show.
It was a bit like, ‘Where’s Wally?’ as far as the two spies connected to the Baron are concerned Chris Ballard as Boris and Callum Tickner as Goran were phenomenal and kept popping up at various points in the show wearing various disguises as well as being part of the ensemble.
They had polished their Vulgarian accents (which sounded German-like) to a tee and the scene where they practice their English phrases was laugh-out-loud funny.
A huge mention must go to Daniel Vaughan as the Child Catcher who plays this role with incredible grace but a real air of creepiness.
The audience’s first sight of this evil character is a black pointed glove wrapped around one of the flats and when Daniel steps out he looked incredible in a black top hat, 18th-century style coat, and black lace-up boots.
Daniel also used his vocal range to brilliant effect to bring this role to life.
I must also mention Peter Colley who was a loveable Grandpa Potts and has an effortless talent for singing and dancing.
The cast was supported by a remarkable ensemble that danced and sang throughout the show.
Highlights include, ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ - a fabulous dance routine and ‘The Roses of Success - such funny characterisations of elderly male car mechanics!
The sets and lighting are stunning - look out for the violet-lit backdrop in ‘Hushabye Mountain studded with stars - and a special shout-out must also go to the wardrobe and wig department as the cast looked sensational in their costumes.
Finally, the cast was in incredibly safe hands with an exceptional orchestra under the direction of Andrew Woodford.
With hints of a pantomime feel and lots of audience participation - the audience couldn’t resist the urge to clap along with the theme song, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, and gave the cast a standing ovation at the end - plus one huge surprise!
You must grab your ticket now as you don’t want to miss this uplifting show.
Get your tickets at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
