Archive review: I saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang during its 2024 UK tour at Churchill Theatre Bromley. This review preserves my original five-star response to the production, while current booking information is kept separate.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2024 Review
Based on Ian Fleming’s children’s story and the 1968 film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang returned to the stage with a huge dose of nostalgia. Adam Garcia played inventor Caractacus Potts, and he brought plenty of charm and energy to the role.
With help from Jemima and Jeremy, Potts restores an old racing car. Before long, the family discovers that Chitty has magical powers. Truly Scrumptious, played by Ellie Nunn, and Liam Fox’s Grandpa Potts then join the adventure.
Cast and Performances
Charlie Brooks made the Childcatcher suitably sinister. Meanwhile, Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph brought plenty of slapstick humour as Boris and Goran.
I was also really impressed by the young performers. Isla Ithier as Jemima and Ayrton English as Jeremy had so much poise. As a mum, watching them brought a tear to my eye.
Staging, Music and the Flying Car
The staging immediately set the tone. Mechanical details tied neatly into Caractacus Potts’ inventor world, while the design kept the production feeling playful and full of movement.
The Sherman Brothers score did a lot of the emotional heavy lifting for me. Hearing Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and Truly Scrumptious again brought back so many childhood memories.
The choreography was another highlight, especially during Me Ol’ Bamboo. Garcia had a slight misstep during the number, but it actually made the performance feel more human rather than spoiling the moment.
Then came the moment I had been waiting for: Chitty took flight. Seeing the car rise above the stage was genuinely magical. I got goosebumps and, for a moment, felt like a child again.
More Standout Performances
Liam Fox’s Grandpa Potts was warm and instantly likeable. Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner also worked brilliantly together as the Baron and Baroness, bringing a big dose of comedy without losing the family-friendly tone.
My Verdict
This production gave me exactly what I wanted from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: nostalgia, warmth and a proper sense of theatrical magic. For the first time, I gave a show a full five-star rating. The flying car alone was a moment I knew I would remember.
I will always associate this tour with that feeling of being transported back to childhood. It was joyful, sentimental and completely unapologetic about leaning into the magic of the story.
The Vivienne’s Legacy
The Vivienne later joined the 2024 tour as the Childcatcher. Sadly, she has since passed away. Her talent, humour and stage presence remain an important part of the production’s history.
Disclosure: I received gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2024 Tour Archive
The original tour has now ended. For the preserved cast, creative team and Churchill Theatre dates, see my Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2024 UK tour archive guide.
One of my favorite movies! Thanks for the memories!
Although I haven’t heard about the movie before, I am interested to watch the movie.