Flying into Edinburgh Playhouse this week is the musical production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Tuesday doubled as the Opening and Press Night for the award-winning musical adaptation of the 1968 film. I quickly realised that I was one of very few there that hadn't ever seen the film before and didn't know the story at all.
In this timeless story by Ian Fleming, we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, they end up on a fantastical adventure to far off lands.
Adam Garcia gave a strong performance as lovable widower Caractacus Potts. Ellie Nunn brought the Bond girl vibes as Truly Scrumptious, and Liam Fox was a class act as the playful Grandpa Potts. Capturing the creepiness of The Childcatcher was Scotland's treasure Elaine C. Smith.
Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph provided the pantomimic campness cheeky gags as Vulgarian spies Boris and Goran, whilst Hadrian Delacey and Bibi Jay portrayed the Baron and Baroness with flawless flamboyancy and sass.
The ensemble complimented the cast beautifully with pitch perfect performances and creative choreography with props and parts of the rustically simple set.
But the star attraction, bringing the wow factor to the show was, of course, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang herself. On hydraulics, the car lifted and tilted at to give the impression of flying with a curtain of twinkling lights behind acting as the night sky. Cue an auditorium filled with "ohs" and "ahs" from the audience.
The show is a crowd-pleasing classic that will have the whole family singing along to the unforgettable soundtracks "Toot Sweets", "Hushabye Mountain", "Truly Scrumptious" and of course the Academy Award-nominated title song, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a truly scrumptious production of magic and fantasmagorical adventure!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📸 Images by Paul Coltas & Danny Kaan
🎥 Reel by Jenna's Jamboree