CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG REVIEWS - 2023
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
The film version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was launched in 1968 and became a huge family favourite across the world. As a twelve year-old I fell hopelessly in love with Sally Ann Howes who played the perfectly beautiful Truly Scrumptious. Around this time our family went to Butlins Holiday Camp on the East Coast (Ingoldmells, near to Skegness). Despite it being the summertime it rained most days and on one of those days me and my step-sisters were strongly encouraged to go into the small Butlins’ cinema to shelter from a miserable downpour and to take in a film whilst my parents privately ‘played cards’ in the chalet. That film was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. We loved it as kids. We loved it so much that we sat and watched it three and a half times until we were unwillingly dragged out into the daylight by our parents who’d begun to wonder where we were. It may have been the very first time I binge watched something worth watching. Afterwards I was forever smitten by the beguiling and heavenly Truly and desperate for a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang model car for Christmas. I got the model car. Sally Ann Howes was unavailable as a little too mature girl friend. That was rather a long time ago boys and girls and here I am sat in the Nottingham Theatre Royal dress circle on row B, a few (ahem) decades older and ready to thrill at seeing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang live on stage by the fabulous Nottingham Operatic Society. Here’s hoping it will truly be a fantasmorgorically scrumptious theatrical affair.
And it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The fabulous sets are all one might expect from a show that may be listed as amateur but is as polished and professional as those historically put on by Nottingham Operatic Society. One can only be impressed by their super high standard productions. The costumes are a wonderful mix of Edwardian splendour and colourful eccentricity as befits the multitude of characters in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Everything visual enhances the piece but never competes for attention nor takes attention away from the top class acting, comedy, singing and choreography. There have been a few instances on social media where cast members, creatives, organisers and friends of Nottingham Operatic Society have mentioned the hard work and joys of being a member of the society. The warmth and friendship alluded to in such declarations comes across in palpable emotional waves when they present a show on stage. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a great example of this precious comradeship. As an audience member you just know when the cast are living their best lives on stage. It gives you the biggest inner smile.
Toot Sweets
The Nottingham Operatic Society gave a ‘truly scrumptious’ performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Nottingham Theatre Royal. With a cast of around 60 people, fabulous costumes and skilful acting, the society really outdid themselves this year.
The production retold the classic children’s story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a magical car fixed up by a down on his luck inventor and his two children. However the group then have to travel to Bulgaria after to rescue Grandpa Potts after the baron believes he is the one who created the car.
Fight and Finale
In celebrating their 130th year Nottingham Operatic Society show no sign of stopping with a magical production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which will delight audiences of all ages at Nottingham's Theatre Royal.
Chitty Takes Flight
One of the first films I can remember seeing as a child was "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and can remember the film being completely magical. Decades later, all those feelings of magic flooded back with this latest stage production by Nottingham Operatic Society, who also celebrate their 130th year with this show.
Bombie Samba
Last night, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flew into Nottingham Theatre Royal in great grandeur. In the first night of its run, Nottingham’s Operatic Society local marketing operation appeared to have paid off, with the theatre filled to the rafters with an audience very excited to watch this spectacular machine.