Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Review – Empire Theatre, Liverpool

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2024
Image Source: Empire Theatre

This is our review of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Liverpool‘s Empire Theatre!

Description Of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

If you know of the timeless movie, then the story is very familiar. So, Caractacus Potts (Callum Train) loves his inventions, but unfortunately, very few of them actually work. This makes it hard for him, as a single parent, to provide for his children Jeremy (Ayrton English) and Jemima (Jasmine Nyenya). But the kids are happy enough playing on an old race car, which is available for 30 shillings. After struggling to make ends meet, one of Caractacus’ inventions – a dangerous yet effective haircut machine, earns the 30 shillings required. All of a sudden, they own the car, and with some mechanical tweaks, the car becomes magical!

However, in the meantime, the Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria (Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner) want a new car. So, they send the hapless duo of Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph) to bring them Caractacus’ car. But with mishaps and challenges ahead, can Caractacus manage to hold onto his greatest invention yet? And what role does Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn) play as she gets ever closer to Caractacus?

Analysis Of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

There is a lot going on in this show, but it’s easy to follow and has plenty of high points. All of the classic songs that fans of the movie know and love are here in full force. And it’s very difficult not to join in with singing and clapping, especially for the title track. Meanwhile, all of the performances are of a very high standard. Surprisingly, it’s Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph who arguably steal the show as Boris and Goran. Indeed, they are superb in their role as bumbling fools with a naughty side to them.

Speaking of which, things get unexpectedly risqué, especially in scenes involving the Baron and Baroness (they give “Ulgaria” extra meaning!). Production-wise, the visual of the car itself is a great moment, with younger fans wowed as we see the car’s special powers. Furthermore, the settings are very authentic, as are the costumes, especially during the Baron’s birthday party scene. The show also never takes itself too seriously, with some really funny sight gags and subtle name choices. (Listen closely for the name of the turkey farmer who buys the haircut machine.) Lastly, celebrity stars The Vivienne and Liam Fox do a great job as The Childcatcher and Grandpa Potts respectively.

Summary Of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

This is a brilliant retelling of one of 20th-century cinema’s most famous stories. It’s a show that exists within its own universe, from the chaos of Vulgaria to the incredibly magical vehicle. And with an earlier start time than usual, it feels like a real family treat. If you’ve never climbed Hushabye Mountain nor visited Vulgaria before, come to a show that you will never forget!