Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.

Bel Canto Productions’ Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. is a top-notch little youth production with great heart, excellent production values and some gorgeous performances. Featuring a strong directorial debut from Blake Jenkins, this show is delighting its capacity crowds, and with its great cast of kids and teens is a wonderful glimpse at the future of musical theatre in WA.

Played on a functional multi-locale set from George Boyd, locations are enhanced by stylish projections from Blake Jenkins and atmospheric lighting design from Don Allen. Title character, the car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is beautifully created by Mark Lawson, with lovely float and fly effects. Lovely costume design from Katherine Freind and Neroli Sweetman adds to the visual pleasure of this production.

These young performers are a joy. Joshua Aston leads the cast, a strong and convincing Caractacus Potts, nicely paired with sweet leading lady Mary Carter as Truly Scrumptious. Hunter Young and Lucy Kelly shine as Jeremy and Jemima Potts, with Michael Phillips great fun as Grandpa.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang of course stems from an Ian Fleming novel, and unsurprisingly has some great villains - played in this production with skill and relish. James Platel and Sienna Freeman are strong and funny as Baron and Baroness Bomburst, Matthew Holmes and Matthew Ballantine have lovely teamwork as Boris and Goran, with Jack Churchman channeling Sir Robert Helpmann as a sinister, balletic child catcher.

A strong ensemble work hard throughout, with performers making the most of small cameos, including clever characterisation from Cameron Clear as the Toymaker, Xavier Postma as Coggins, Cadence Smyth as Miss Phillips, Francesca Postma as Sidney, Anna Robbie as Violet and Emily Lund as the Turkey Farmer.

Singing is clear and strong under the guidance of Musical Director Katherine Freind, with Matilda Jenkins’ choreography nicely executed throughout. Group numbers are great fun, with highlights including Me Ol’Bamboo (choreographed by guest choreographer Matthew Manning) and Bombie Samba.
A delight for audiences of all ages, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. is an uplifting and joyful production that deserves its enthusiastic reception.

Kimberley Shaw