130TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION - Local Performers Set To Soar
The local performers set to star in Nottingham Operatic Society’s 130th Anniversary Production, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang have just been announced.
Starring as Caractacus Potts (the role made famous by Dick Van Dyke in the original film) will be Bara Erhayiem and Mark Coffey-Bainbridge.
On tackling the iconic role of Caractacus, Bara said, “I was in complete shock hearing my name called out. I only started amateur dramatics recently; this time last year I’d never even set foot on a stage before, now I’m honoured to play the lead in such a big production with an amazing group of people, including some of my best friends. I have to credit my two daughters for helping me with audition prep! I spent many a bedtime singing Hushabye Mountain. My 8-year-old tweaked the tempo and dynamics and told me exactly how to sing it! I cannot wait for them to see me perform it on the Theatre Royal stage. I hope people will appreciate my take on the much-loved character and I do it justice.”
Mark said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have been cast as Mr Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It's a childhood dream come true to be a part of such a beloved musical that has captivated audiences for generations. I can't wait to bring this iconic character to life and share the magic of this show on the Theatre Royal stage.”
Emma Shute and Lousie Grantham will share the role of Truly Scrumptious; Dan Armstrong and Shaun Hanrahan will share the role of Grandpa Potts; and James Ellison will play The Childcatcher.
Hot off the heels of his performance in the Leicester Curve’s award-winning production of Billy Elliot, Leo will star as Jeremy Potts, sharing the role with Freddie; and Gracle and Daisy will star as Jemima Potts.
The principal cast is completed by Simon Theobald as Baron Bomburst; Kate Williams as Baroness Bomburst; Nathan Curzon as Boris, Alison Hope and Linda Croston, sharing the role of Goran; and Paul McPherson as The Toymaker.
Award-winning Aussie director, Andrew Miller, returns to Nottingham Operatic Society to direct after his incredible work on The Hunchback of Notre Dame; and is joined by musical director Gareth Wynne and choreographer Justine Lee for this spectacular, high-flying show.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. With music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is based on the MGM Motion Picture, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, with the licensed script adapted by Ray Roderick, and music provided by special arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will run at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, from Wednesday 25 October to Saturday 28 October 2023 for 8 performances. Tickets are now on sale via the Theatre Royal at 0115 989 5555 or the link below