This is our review of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Liverpool‘s Empire Theatre!
Description Of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Based on the iconic movie, this show invites the audience to clap along to the music on various occasions. We meet the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, a widower, along with his children Jemima and Jeremy. He’s waiting for a big idea to achieve major success. Meanwhile, the kids enjoy playing in an old race car in the garage. Coincidentally, over in Vulgaria, the strange Baron and Baroness want a special car for his birthday. So, they send two amusingly bumbling spies over to find the vehicle.
The car is put up for sale to raise funds, but not before Potts takes a trip to the circus. There, he manages to sell a somewhat strange (and dangerous!) haircut machine for 30 shillings. That’s the same price as the car, so Potts purchases the vehicle for himself. And he and his family (not to mention Truly Scrumptious) go for a picnic. But that’s when we realise how badly Baron and Baroness want the car, as Vulgaria quite literally goes on the attack. However, it’s when we also realise how magical the car is. And so the real adventure begins, one that wows audiences and creates truly incredible moments!
Analysis Of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
If you’ve seen the original movie, you’ll know that there’s a lot of excitement in this show. The reveal of the car, as well as its various changes and innovations, draws great crowd responses. As do the comical capers of the villains, even if their methods are occasionally questionable. (One young attendee behind me asked “The grandad isn’t worth anything, why take him?”) And of course, there are some legendary songs, primarily the title theme and also Truly Scrumptious.
The audience enjoyed the show, often clapping along, as well as singing along and wildly applauding after major moments. I also found the show a treat, especially when watching a production whose subject has such a legacy. The downsides would be the length of the show, with the first half lasting over 80 minutes, and some unnecessary musical numbers. But the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, and pet lovers will take great delight in the cute dogs that appear!
Summary Of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
All in all, this show delivers everything that it states. We get excellent costumes, catchy songs, humorous moments aplenty, an intriguing story, and the legendary car itself. Therefore, I would recommend this show to anyone regardless of age as it appeals to the whole family on different levels.
