REVIEW: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang At The Wyvern Theatre

Oh you Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The family-favourite production is on show at the Wyvern Theatre this upcoming Bank Holiday weekend and what a show it is! Presented by the Summer Youth Project, Wyvern Theatre’s latest show encompasses everything you want from a family-friendly production with laughs, musical melodies, and exceptional individual on-stage performances making this a show you don’t want to miss out on.

Running over Friday and Saturday, this adaptation of Ian Flemings Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a completely immersive theatre experience that will leave you and you and your family in fits of laughter and sing-song as you recount all of the musicals famous songs. 

From the opening musical performance focusing on Jeremy and Jemima’s racing adventure to the hilarious closing moments of rejoice and celebration, this truly scrumptious showing is fantastic for those both new to the world of theatre and seasoned theatre-goers alike. 

Directed by David Ashley, the world-renowned musical captured the imagination and made me feel like a kid again watching the movie for the very first time, as the expertly performed songs, energetic choreography, and mesmerising set design all combined to make for a first-class theatrical experience. 

Having had just two weeks to put the performance together, this year's Summer Youth Project performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang had me hooked from beginning to end as the team behind the project demonstrated their talents. 

The play was full of brilliant individual performances as the youthful cast set out to make a name for themselves in the world of drama. 

Archie Fisher played the role of Mr Caractacus Potts with the energy, wit, and charisma you would expect from a seasoned performer, not that of a 17-year-old starting his professional journey in the industry, with his ability to control the stage in such a confident and playful manner a credit to his acting abilities. 

Ben Brindle and Mollie Avenell replicated the innocent sweet-tooth performances of Jeremy and Jemima to perfection as the pair interacted in the childlike and playful way that made their on-stage brother and sister relationship appear believable and fun. 

Marcellus Hill and Maddy Stimpson-Duffy bounced off of each other excellently in their roles as Vulgarian spies with the quick one-two exchanges of satire between the pair leaving me with a broad smile stretched across my face as I watched on. 

Whilst Kimmy Shopland executed her role as The Child Catcher with the creepiness and confidence that rewound me to my childhood and the uneasy scared feeling that I got when the infamous child catcher appeared on my screen at the very first of watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Too many modern musical theatrical productions rely on special fx and pre-recorded tunes for their soundtracks, so the added inclusion of having a live orchestra perform each song created a magical viewing experience.

Every member of the cast and crew executed their roles to the high-quality standard many have come to expect of the Wyvern Theatre’s shows and this certainly is a performance for the whole family to enjoy. 

The Wyvern Theatre’s performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the first theatre production I have been too in three years and it really is a truly scrumptious performance that I encourage all to experience. So book your tickets now to avoid missing out on what is a fantastic activity for the whole family.