Reader Reviews
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I watched the touring version of this hit west end musical and throughly enjoyed the experience. Children sat spellbound by the magic generated by this production and all clapped during the song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and enthusically booed the Child Catcher. Not only the children enjoyed the show many seniors sang along during the final rendition of the title song. The sets were of the highest order for a touring production and the cast very professional. Whether I was just recapturing my innocent childhood days or not I really did enjoy this show, don't miss it, re-activate the child inside us all - 128.240.229.67) | 14 Dec 05 |
| The Car was the star in this show, without it this would have been a bit of a waste of an evening in the West End. The first half was particularly ropey, with dancing and singing not up to the standards I would expect from the company of a long running show - the words at many times were mumbled and unintelligible, sometimes the principals could barely be heard. The second half was an improvement though, and the Samba was entertaining, although it did not seem to fit in with the rest of the show. It is a shame that the most memorable moment of the show was when two of the Sweet Factory dogs got a bit frisky right in the middle of the stage - many of the adults in the audience had tears of laughter streaming down their faces. Just a shame the rest of the show couldn't elicit as strong a response. Stick to the film, and enjoy a West End show that will lift you heart instead. - 193.130.144.125) | 10 Aug 05 |
| I saw the show when it opened in 2002 and I generally enjoyed it; but I went again in June and it was outstanding! Brian Conley was excellent as Caractacus - much better in the role than Michael Ball. Conley was eccentric and mad-cap, just as I imgaine him to be played. He had a great singing voice also. Jo Gibb was magical as Truly Scrumptious. She acted with ease and style - this is a very plum Truly, but not irritantingly so like Emma Williams was. Gibb is a very talented performer - I would love to see her as Mary Poppins, Scaramouche and Eponine, to name but a few. Tony Adams was alright - he seemed to be rather unsure though! Chritopher Biggins and Louise Gold were delightful! Slightly unsure of them at first, but after all their winking at me I began to be delighted by them! Biggins and Gold were bothe great fun and seemed to be enjoying themselves so much! Alvin Stardust was dissapointing, I must say. He was not a good singer at all and is make up was badly done, I was in the 2nd row of the Stalls. After seeing Richard O'Brien, it was impossible to get someone as good ... Generally the show was in a supberb state, I was rather unsure what to expect. Also, a very nice cast to talk to and were all willing to sign programmes and pose for a photograph at the Stage Door afterwards. I was very impressed with the whole show and thoroughly recommed a trip to see the flying car before it goes on its final flight in September! - 194.105.168.6) | 14 Jul 05 |
| fantastic, this family show is a must see very magical and amazing, brian conellanly was great and the alvin stardust as the child catcher was very scary. the stage effects were fab. - 81.148.24.182) | 05 Jul 05 |
| I took my daughter to see Chitty for the third time in April 2005, having seen it twice with the original cast and having loved it. I'm afraid that I have to agree with a lot that was said in the review dated 20th March 2005. The dropping of the original first scene of the race and crash was a big disappointment. Brian Conley was very poor and didn't seemed too happy to be there. Some of his characters scenes seemed to have been changed with less singing or dancing for his character than when Michael Ball was the lead. My daughter still loved it as did and our friends seeing it for the first time. But after the dropping of the 'race' first scene, rather than being captivated by it once again I found myself looking for the changes and being disappointed. Thank heavens for the car. As Jason Donovan is returning to the role of Potts for the end of it's run, go and see it. It's great entertainment, I just think I was spoiled having seen it twice with the original cast. The car is the star but you can get too much of a good thing. - 62.252.192.13) | 30 May 05 |
| If you are thinking about seeing this show please ignore the review posted on the 20th March.I thought the show was excellent,as did my wife and 6yr old daughter. - 81.77.108.159) | 05 Apr 05 |
| Didnt expect to enjoy it as much as we did. We had good seats sun mat,bought day before. The sets are very spectacular, the car is amazing. Its full of glits and sparkle. Loved the way the child catcher comes out into the audience. Kids are a bit stage school, but I suppose its got to be cheesy well done.Tony Adams was a little wooden.Scarlet Strallen as Truly scrumptious was well cast.It was my sons birthday treat and I thought It would be boring, not so. I would recomend it to all ages - 195.92.168.171) | 04 Apr 05 |
| Saw the new cast yesterday and Havant seen the show for a while and have to say in a stalls with many spare seats that it wasn't the best musical ever when it opened but its so stale and to be honest damn right boring now. They have cut the race at the beginning which is a shame and the whole show has such an awful script, that whoever was in the show wouldn't help it, its dying and on its last legs The New Cast Brian Conley -Potts,So wanted him to be better than he was,the script does not help and quite frankly he looked bored stiff,not a decent song to sing really and only bt he excelled was as the doll in TS,nothing here that he get use his comedy skills on and is let down by a poor script and awful tuneless songs that are barley 2 minutes long. Jo Gibb-Passable but quite forgettable performance in one of the worst lead roles for a woman in London, not one song to sing of any consequence/ Tony Adams-You think it was his first day,wooden,no voice and struggling to remember his lines. Alvin Stardust-Child Catcher, Not bad, poor voice though and about as scary as bugs bunny. Christopher Biggins-Baron,Oh dear biggins is dreadful and must be well connected to keep getting work anywhere. Louise Gold-Baroness, so annoying and nearly as embarrassingly as bad as Biggins. All in all dont waste your money on this over hyped and tacky panto. - 195.93.21.102) | 20 Mar 05 |
| No Jason Donavan last Friday night, however, understudy very good. Children & adults seem spell bound by "the car" which is truly magical and I guess makes the evening. Some good moments and overall a good show for the whole family. - 82.44.98.162) | 13 Dec 04 |
| I went as a techie to see how it was staged and - of course - the car, not really worried about the show itself. However I thoroughly enjoyed it - the show is quite simply fun and the car really is spectacular. The current cast are all up to the mark - Christopher Biggins turned one scene into pure pantomime and it worked and fitted into the rest of the show perfectly. After the reviews of Stephen Gateley in Joseph (which I didn't get to) I was nervous about the childcatcher, but he was very good - I had to look very hard through the make up to check it was really him! Overall a really good night - I'd strongly recommend it to ayone. - 81.130.78.220) | 26 Nov 04 |
| This was my 4th time i have seen the show and i believe the best cast yet. Christopher Biggins is outstanding as is Louise Gold. The spies are brilliant, the smaller one being the small young ones. An easy 5 out of 5 - 195.93.34.13) | 11 Oct 04 |
| It's been over a year since I last saw Chitty - and what a difference a year makes! The script and blocking has changed - only at times for the better. Jason Donovan is good - but his voice is going and he certainly demonstrates how good Michael Ball's voice is. Very impressed with Gatelys childcatcher - I'll never listen to a Boyzone song in the same way again! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.158.229.242) | 20 Sep 04 |
| The sets are impressive, but lets face it you go for the car!! Really well done when it eventually flys, and the child catcher at the end is also very well done. But at the end of the day it is a very expensive pantomine, stunning to look at, but its hammed up so often that you are left with that feeling. It doesnt have the sophistication of the Lion King, or even the magical feel of Beauty and the Beast. good, but not great, I guess its a good show for a young childs introduction to theatre. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.174.228.177) | 01 Sep 04 |
| Clever scenery, big names (well fairly big!) little atmosphere, few laughs, and at £108 for 2 adults and 2 kids, a near complete waste of money and time. Add to this the money grabbing bar stewards of London and one is left feeling fleeced. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.78.178.200) | 30 Aug 04 |
| I saw the show in March, 2 days after the cast change. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. And I'm particularly glad to have seen Scarlett Strallen and Louise Gold in it - they're great. It's really rather funny to see Ms Gold play such a nasty character, but she does it well, very much like a G&S Grande-Dame - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.145.71) | 03 Aug 04 |
| I saw the show in March, 2 days after the cast change. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. And I'm particularly glad to have seen Scarlett Strallen and Louise Gold in it - they're great. It's really rather funny to see Ms Gold play such a nasty character, but she does it well, very much like a G&S Grande-Dame - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.145.71) | 03 Aug 04 |
| chitty chitty bang bang is a fantasmagorical musical!! its amazing and the car flying is magical! the set and the songs, the choreography n the acting are all superb and add 2 the magic of this show!! its definately a must see, especialy if u have got young chlidren or even if you haven't, as my whole family couldn't take there eyes off the stage! i wanna be in his show so bad, it gives you goosebumps just watchin it! the performers r doin a fab job and r so talented! keep! CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG WE LOVE YOU! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 01 Jun 04 |
| Fun show. Most reminded me of Pantomime. Gary Wilmot was superb.In fact most of the cast was excellent. Little disappointed in Christopher Biggins, but Louise Gold as the Baroness was sensational. Had one of the jokes ever written for Boris and Goran (for those in the know, it's the one about being English and Vulgar). For me Richard Long and Christopher Ryan as the inept spies was the highlight. The Car is pure spectacle, but not the only reason to see this show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.200.154.253) | 19 Apr 04 |
| A truly magical show. I am delighted at the new cast: Christopher Biggins and Louise Gold sound fantastic as the Baron and Baroness; Lionel Blair is sensational casting as The Child Catcher; Scarlett Strallen aptly cast as Truly Scrumptious ... not too sure about Gareth Hunt as Grandpa Potts. Glad to see thet Gary Wilmot has extended into the summer as Caractacus Potts. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.168.6) | 22 Feb 04 |
| If you've seen Brian Blessed on stage during the last 20 years or so there is absolutely no point in seeing him again - he has only one characterisation and can probably do it in his sleep. Indeed, he appeared to be doing exactly this on the night I saw him. The show itself is a prime example of the thinly-gilded dross which passes for West End theatre these days. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.165) | 20 Feb 04 |
| Entertainment for people who don't usually go to the theatre, don't read and probably don't think. Adults, don't let kids blackmail you into taking them to this overpriced pile of poo - after twenty minutes or so I was starting to regret the fact that Saddam Hussein didn't have any WMD to launch at London. A Scud missile would have come as a welcome relief from the brain-melting action on stage. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.173) | 08 Feb 04 |
| Just seen Chitty with Peter Bishop in the lead. What a brilliant, refreshing interpretation he gives.Why they need a "name" for the next few weeks is beyond me! Russ Abbott as Grandpa Potts is excellent as he always is in any role and all the cast seemed to be enjoying themselves. I love the show, and can't wait to go back. It will be interesting to see how Jason Donovan gets on. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.249.129.3) | 11 Jan 04 |
| I took my niece to see the show as a birthday treat and found it absolutely captivating. The settings are amazing, never seen anything like it, and the atmosphere is electric. Powerful performances from cast. We thoroughly enjoyed it and I'd love to see it again. Definitely recommend. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.188.152.14) | 03 Dec 03 |
| Compelling Kids Musical-went there for the sake of my kids enjoyment...they loved it, great family day out...It does what is says on the label,job done - enough said!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.175.250.134) | 28 Nov 03 |
| i loved it (my mate was in it though) the scenery excellent, acting excellent wayne sleep wasn't scary and was funny because he acted like it was a ballet once again that car is is i cna;t say it was too superbe - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.74) | 22 Oct 03 |
| I thing Mark Shenton should have given Emma Williams (Truly Scrumptious) from the original cast a mention because in my opinion she deserved one. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.96.5) | 30 Sep 03 |
| Rather have stayed at home and watched television. Acting and Scenery were Rubbish. A waste of Money!!!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.171) | 17 Aug 03 |
| Worst Musical I have ever seen, Bored from start to finish. Just a Panto, Seen better from my four year old at her school play !!!!!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.171) | 17 Aug 03 |
| Gary is quite good in the role, but plays it very differently.There are times though when he's not very convincing and slips back into the original stage interpretation, but perhaps that could be to do with direction. The main problem though is Wayne Sleep as the childcatcher! He doesn't frighten anyone, mincing and grinning round the stage. The occassional shout fools no-one. I have to agree though,there is nothing quite like the original cast, who were fantastic. It is a very hard act to follow after, what was virtually, the perfect casting. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.56.7) | 13 Aug 03 |
| Great family entertainment. Magnificent sets. Michael Ball has real empathy with the children. It's not at all my 'cup of tea' but it's impossible not to be charmed by all of this! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.211.106.23) | 15 Jul 03 |
| What a very sad world we live in. All you condesending critics 'GET A LIFE' Enjoy this show for what it is for god sake. For 3 hours I was taken right back to my childhood. The set was fabulous the actors excellent, Michael Ball excelled himself, although I was expecting Griffiths to shout'PLAYAWAY' Heavenly songs and a massive lump in my throat when Chitty Flew. Sit back and forget all your troubles, I laughed and cried. Never has a musical done that to me and I have seen a few. A musical to relieve all the stresses of the day and carry you to hushabye mountain. So all you sad sad critics a big big thumb of the nose to you all. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14) | 08 Jul 03 |
| Still an excellent show, after a year later. Can't wait to see Gary Wilmot and Wayne Sleep! They will be AMAZING! Victor Spinetti is excellent as Baron Bomburst. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.168.6) | 08 Jul 03 |
| Absolute Pants !!dont listen to the reviews below all from sad ugly ball fans,Ball anyway is the weak link in this show and thank god he has going in 2 weeks and then at least we will have a Potts with comic timing and can act. But still with the pathetic songs in this show will still have a struggle making a good job of this mess of a show! Avoid like the plague if you are not a Ball fantatic or wait 2 weeks! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.39.219.139) | 06 Jul 03 |
| If you see a show this year. SEE THIS ONE FIRST. GOOD FAMILY FUN - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.5.40.24) | 29 Jun 03 |
| A wonderful show. Michael Ball is truly a star. I thought Caroline Sheen was a better Truly but Sandra Dickenson is not too good in the role of baroness. The dogs were great. This is a light hearted show with all the elements for a good family outing. I thoroughly enjoyedit and if I had the opportunity, I would go again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.171.220.226) | 11 Jun 03 |
| It was so SEATSITTING! those people who gave it 1 or 2 stars are fibbing! i'd give it 100 out of 10 (if i could !!!!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.43.144.59) | 28 May 03 |
| It was so SEATSITTING! those people who gave it 1 or 2 stars are fibbing! i'd give it 100 out of 10 (if i could !!!!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.43.144.59) | 28 May 03 |
| It was so SEATSITTING! those people who gave it 1 or 2 stars are fibbing! i'd give it 100 out of 10 (if i could !!!!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.43.144.59) | 28 May 03 |
| Michael Ball was an excellent singer, regardless what you may say. His vocal energy in the 'Hushabye Mountain' song was fantastic. The chorography by Gillian Lynne in Me Ol' Bamboo was well staged and Ball proved that he could dance aswell as his renouned singining ability. Anton Rogers was magically enchanting in the role of Grandpa Potts: he moved and sang with an ability that was unexpected. His clarity of speech and dance was splendid. Caroline Sheen, whom the west-end stage is used to her powerful singing voice, added a sense of power we did not see in Truly Scrumptious. Sheen looked the part and held her refinement of Truly with sheer acting skill. However, Victor Spinetti and Sandra Dickinson may be viewed as entertainment they were so irritating. Dickinson, a good actress, did not behave or look like a child-hating Baroness. Spinetti, camped the role which the childish audience seemed to enjoy. They were not as strong as McAuliffe and Blessed, who should have remained. It was through Derek Griffiths' excellently mysterious performance as the ChildCather that was saw a star. He looked so good and behaved so well. The moment that he was swooped in the net and through the roof was every bit as excellent as the three witches flying in the audience in 'The Witches of Eastwick'. The sets and costumes were enchanting as were the band. For entertainment with children book this show for a summer treat. They will enjoy it as will adults as it is a spectacle to watch. When, if, Chitty flies you will be gobsmacked - however she doesn't come right into the audience. A worthy and enjoyable evening. As the other actors who have played the ChildCatcher have only played him for about three, does this mean that Derek Griffiths will be replaced in June? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.168.6) | 26 May 03 |
| Well, competantly done, if more than a little soul-less. It was strange seeing two TV heroes from the 1980s onstage (Sandra DIckinson and Derek Griffiths), and seeing children onstage getting all the dance moves precisely right - well, maybe I should see more professional productions involving children. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.40.62.229) | 24 May 03 |
| Strange comment regarding Emma Williams posted on the 8th May, seeing as she left on the 15th March!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.194.27.131) | 09 May 03 |
| I loved it! I thought Emma Williams was a bit disappointing, but other than that it was brill! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.194.67.133) | 08 May 03 |
| what is the point of putting these mediocre shows on in the west end? I t was enjoyable enough but when I think of all the great plays and musicals out there I just shudder at these money making affairs. Any tourist wanting to see a good show in the west end, book our house or my fair lady. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.225.204.148) | 03 Apr 03 |
| Actually, it's not worth 1, but they won't let me give it a lower rating. This is theatre for people who don't ordinarily go to the theatre, and it reeks with contempt for its audience, giving them the absolute minimum necessary to please them. For that attitude alone it should be boycotted, even if Michael Ball weren't terminally charm-challenged (Say what you will about the young Dick Van Dyke, but he oozed charm, and the role needs it). - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.85.10.64) | 18 Mar 03 |
| Sensational! I loved the whole show. I thought that Michael Ball and Anton Rogers were fantastic - they had so much energy and performed with vigour. Iam glad that they are remaing in the cast. Emma Williams was very talened was a youngster; he voice and apperance were quite mature. I do hope she is not out of work for long. Nichola McAuliffe and Brian Blessed were so much fun. I do hope that Sandra Dickinson and Victor Spinetti are as good a duo. However, Peter Poylcarpou was quite differant to Richard O'Brien, has was good though. I lookforward to seeing the new cast to. A very enjoyable evening. The real star is Chitty herself, she looks stunning and when she flies I was quite amazed. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.161.239) | 14 Mar 03 |
| I was looking foward to this after reading some of the reviews for it but when i saw it, it was such a let down! Some of the singing was ok but i was just so so bored!!! It wasnt reviting or interesting!Only 2 stars, sorry guys!And i was being kind with 2! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.0.5) | 23 Feb 03 |
| No offence to anyone here but i found this show rather boring. It didnt have any spark and i didnt find it anything to write home about, sorry! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.0.5) | 16 Dec 02 |
| For shear entertainment I couldn't recommend anything better. The show is a joy to watch from start to finish - everyone in the audience seemed to be having as much fun as everyone on stage seemed to be having. Michael Ball was a revelation as Caractus Potts and delivered a fine performance as did Emma Williams to say it was her west end debut. However, the marvellous Nichola McAuliffe as the Baroness stole the show along with Steve Elias who was understudying the part of the Baron. This was the most delightful and enjoyable night I've spent in the theatre in a long time - great performances, great songs and great sets - it's one of the most visually impressive shows I've ever seen. It is suitable for 'children' of all ages!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.64.5) | 14 Dec 02 |
| I think that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a huge let down, especially when i thought that it must be rather good if Michael Ball was in it. I think that it was more set for children and i would call it an 'Over done pantomime', i like pantomime but not when you spend £30 to fall sleep in your seat. Soz Mates No recomendation here. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.158.145.15) | 24 Nov 02 |
| What a FANTASMAGORICAL musical show! The whole cast simply ooze enjoyment from the stage, through to the audience! Michael Ball is both faultless and amazing and gives an outstanding performance. His dancing is excellent and he has proved himself to be a great leader of a cast. You are left in no doubt that Michael not only enjoys this role but has brought a new freshness to it. He is one of, if not the, best musical actor of our time and it shows. After all most actors shy away from working with either children or animals - let alone both!! The charisma between Michael and the childrenl who play Jeremy & Jemimal is that good you would be forgiven in thinking they were his own! Considering this is the first major production Emma Williams has done I thought she handled the role extremely well and her singing voice is both superb and strong. Anton Rogers makes the best Grandpa Potts and fits the role superbly. Chitty, herself, is just amazing, OK so she has had the occasional odd quirks - but then wouldn't you if you were her age? She is quite remarkable for her age! And knocks anything like her, that we have seen before, into oblivion! With the world in the state it is, it is great to have a show like this to lift you out of the doldrums and enable your spirits to soar - along with Chitty!! Itis so refreshing to have a show that can be enjoyed by everyone - whatever your age! I have seen Chitty 5 times and plan to see it again - it is worth it. If you want to see an in-depth, emotional, shockability production - this show is not it! However, if you want to see a brilliant, light-hearted, funny, fantasy show - Chitty is it! Go on treat yourself and book up - we are all worth spoiling from time to time! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.252.0.6) | 08 Nov 02 |
| Seen it four times. A fantastic family orietated show. Kids love it and grown-ups become kids again. Ignore the whinging reviews - these 'critics' evidently don't go to the theatre for its entertainment value. If you want serious theatre go elsewhere - but if you want pure, unadulterated entertainment you must see this show! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.168) | 07 Nov 02 |
| Show seen on Friday 1st November and we waited with crossed fingers hoping the car would fly. Success! It is an amazing sight. It was a thoroughly good evenings entertainment. A fun family show. The happy atmosphere of the evening is refreshing. The Cast enjoyed themslves and this came across to the audience. One criticism Nichola McAuliffe seemed unable to sustain her accent which was constantly changing. Anton Rodgers was a great Grandpa Potts. Michael Ball sang and danced well. A great show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.8) | 07 Nov 02 |
| I saw "Chitty" on Oct 31..the night the set crashed in front of Prince Charles. I got another tix for Friday night (Nov1) and everything went smoothly. What a FABULOUS show !! This is what the old-fashioned music hall shows must have been like. It was fantastic to see and fun to be in the audience with kids who were enthralled with the production. I don't know if the show will transfer to NYC..but I sure hope so. A fun evening and lots of fun for all. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (205.188.209.78) | 06 Nov 02 |
| Lovely! This show is fun! Everyone in the cast, from the dogs to Michael Ball, looks like they're enjoying themselves immensely. The show is big, bright and silly, and why not? It's about a flying car, after all. My mother and I saw it twice, first with the understudy Peter Bishop as Caractacus, then with Michael Ball. They were both a treat. We would both love to watch this show again; for a good two hours we can feel like kids again, gasping at a flying car. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 Nov 02 |
| I did enjoy this piece of theatre, however it is not a Palladium show, New London would be a much better home for this. Emma Williams was good at singing, not much of an actress. Michael Ball was faultless. Anton Rogers and Nichola McAuliffe were the best in the cast; two excellent actors in one production is not too often seen in the west end now. Paul O'Grady looked as if he enjoyed it, but he is not scary enough - I loved how he flew through the roof of the theatre. Richard O'Brien was more suited to the role. Brian Blessed was auful, as was the childish repeated dance movement. When the car flew it looked stunning. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 25 Oct 02 |
| LOVED IT!! the sets choreography, dancers, ball, and the rest of the cast all excelled in this Fab stage production! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 19 Oct 02 |
| Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the first the film I saw in the cinema. The stage show was a magical journey back to the same excitement I felt then, and my six year old son said it was the best thing he had ever seen. I'd go again if the tickets were cheaper! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 06 Oct 02 |
| Very much enjoyed watching this show. Good performances by everyone and the sets and car are amazing! A fantastic night out for the whole family. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 29 Sep 02 |
| this was truley terrible! the highlight of the cast and entire show was the entrance fo half a dozen dogs in the middle of the show! richard o'brien was superb and very entertaining! without him and the classic soundtrack i wouldnt have been able to have sat through the performance! in conclusion...a glorified pantomime! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 28 Sep 02 |
| Wonderful light hearted show. Michael Ball is excellent. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 26 Sep 02 |
| Saw the show in May..thoroughly enjoyed, although it isnt the most life changing show..it is a giggle...and that is all it is meant to be..I think the last reviewer's comments were completely disgusting and a desperate attempt to be just plain harsh. Come on...I think Emma Williams made a great and truly scruptious Scrumptious...and to imply that she slept with someone to get that part is just sick. ANYWAY!! Go to the show..and enjoy it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 12 Sep 02 |
| Desperately disappointing. The only members of the cast worth their pay are Nichola MacAullife and Anton Rogers. The part of the Child Catcher, so memorable in the film, has been watered down beyond belief (presumably in a sop to the PC crowd who think that "we must'nt frighten the children"). Richard Obrien does his best. Brian Blessed is as irritating as usual, playing.....well.... Brian Blessed, really. He even does that daft wiggling of his chops thing, which I've seen him do in every production I've ever seen him in. The "Bombey Samba" number is completely out of place, adds nothing to the plot and is just a daft excuse for a big production number for McAuliffe. And WHO decided to put that terrible "we can win if we all stick together" PC nonsense in Act II for the hiding children? The girl playing Truly Scrumptious can't sing (she missed every top note the peformance I saw) can't act and jerked around so much in the Music Box number that it looked more like she had St. Vitus Dance. Still, its her West End debut (the cynic in me wonders who she shagged to get such a big part in such a big production). And I expected more than fairground hydraulics for Chitty. Best number of the night - Toot Sweets. And a warning - never try to recreate a classic film on stage. Because it won't come off. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 30 Aug 02 |
| I believe that the audience really spoiled a good show. The fact that they clapped along to every song, meant that some members of the audience couldn't hear and enjoy the voices of Emma Williams and Michael Ball. The car that everyone is going on about is old technology. It has been done over in the States over and over again. Listening to people say it was better then Saigon's Helicopter, or Les Miserables Baricade is appalling. I would like to see this show again with a more professional audience. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 16 Jul 02 |
| I was very disappointed in this show, and rhis was not only because Micheal Ball was absent due to an indisposition. Chitty is definately a children's show: a very expensive panto! The big names of the show - Brain Blessed, Richard O'Brien - seem to have such small parts in the show that you are left feeling short changed. The children and great: full of life and energy; the adults are the opposite. Nevertheless, the flying car is spectacular, and without this expensive special effect the show would be non-exsistant! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 14 Jul 02 |
| Only needs three words describe this show. "Over Priced Panto" - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 06 Jul 02 |
| I thoroughly enjoyed the show and will be booking again. Michael Ball was excellent - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 17 Jun 02 |
| Absolutely enchanting! One of the best musicals I've ever seen on stage! I never cared much for the movie, but with all the changes, especially to the story-line, this had me spellbound. Michael Ball was a fabulous Prof. Potts (as I never cared for Dick Van Dyke), that managed to make me laugh, cry, and jump with excitement. I was impressed with Emma Williams' debut (and indeed her voice), even though I'm convinced she can do better than try to impersonate Sally Ann Howes. But she did grow on me as the evening went. Richard O'Brian made the whole audience (children and adults alike) gasp with delighted horror. And even though Brian Blessed's acting- and singing ability did not impress me, the always hilarious Nichola McAuliffe saved those particular scenes. And if Michael Ball's charming looks isn't enough for you, the design by Anthony Ward is undoubtedly pleasing to the eyes (A particular favourite was Pott's windmill) Oh! And that car really had me jumping with excitement, even though everyone knows she'll manage to fold out her wings and save the family within, you can't help but feel a particular tingle I myself haven't felt since I was seven years old... I had my doubt at first, but now, all I can say is: Oh, what a show! What a cast! What a car! I'm allready saving up to go see it again. No one expected art; It's simply fabulous, enchanting family fun! And definately worth all the money I spent! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 27 May 02 |
| Blimey! Don't know if I can top that previous review... I booked seven months in advance(when I heard it was being staged) and now, having seen it and cooled down after the party atmosphere in the Palladium, I must admit there were several weaknesses. The performances by the leads are uneven - the ever-popular Michael Ball was fine, but Emma Williams was so-so. That said, she's only about 18 years old and is making her West End debut. Quite a baptism by fire, to my mind, so she acquits herself very well. Richard O'Brien is a super, slinky, sinister figure as the Child Catcher and has one of the most impressive final exits of any performer in the West End. Nicola McAuliffe was fantastically over-the-top and brilliant, but her Baron hubby, Brian Blessed... was not. The kids were wonderful. Self-assured but not pretentious and I wish them well for the future. As for The Car, well, I was expecting more, but perhaps I'm greedy and wanted more 'oohs' and 'aahhhs' for my forty quid. Impressive, yes, but it's quite obvious how it's done, so I Didn't Believe A Car Can Fly. Still Don't. Criticisms aside, it's a fine, fun show and the audience (young and young-at-heart) lapped up the pantomime atmosphere, got on their feet and cheered it to the rafters. Andrew B - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 20 May 02 |
| I sat in the Royal Circle...which I was generally worried about, but it turned out to be pretty good. My only complaint was the attitude of some of the kids in the audience. Sometimes you just have to wonder why parents take their children to shows when they know that they will behave poorly. I have no problems with them singing along...and getting excited by what they see...but to completely disrupt others from watching the show is just plain wrong. Anyway...I loved the show. I grew up with the movie and thought that everyone did a wonderful job. My mother and I actually cried because we both thought of my father who would have loved to have seen this show. (He passed in 1987.) - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 15 May 02 |
| The adult cast of CCBB should return to stage school for a refresher course (always supposing they could pass an entrance audition), or take lessons from the kiddie ensemble who act them off the stage. These kids are alert, lively, hardworking and look as if they are actually enjoying their job. This is more than can be said for the older actors who seemed, on the night I watched the show, as if it was almost too much trouble to turn up, much less actually put some effort into making their characters seem even halfway believable. Either there’s now too much ‘private business’ and in-jokes on stage, or they’re merely indifferent to their roles. Ball plays Potts as 50’s-anorak-man-meets-90’s-new-man, hovering uncomfortably at different places between these extremes throughout the show. Richard Burton he ain’t. His acting ability was wooden and banal for the most part; he seemed only able to breathe life into his role when singing, or interacting with the stage kids. Even then he doesn’t quite get it right in Hushabye Mountain, which is sung, quite inappropriately for a lullaby, as an anthem. He, does, however, come into his own with Team Work which suits his natural voice and also involves the kids – it’s the only part of the show that works well for him. Only in this scene do we perhaps gain an inkling of why he’s being paid mega-bucks for what is otherwise a role that any half-competent jobbing actor could manage. Williams as Truly is truly feeble and spiritless. Her phoney diction and lack of stage presence left me wondering how the hell she landed the part. Her angling prowess must be significantly better than her acting ability. One wonders if Noble ever turned up for rehearsals because the blame can not be laid solely at the actors’ feet. Or perhaps the director was too busy supervising Chitty’s flying lessons to take time to ensure that the production as a whole was given wings. Even the wings of song flap limply in this dated and half-hearted show. Someone should have told Lynne that although CCBB is playing at the London Palladium, she needn’t have used choreography as dated and as uninspiring as the Tiller Girls of Sunday Night at the London Palladium fame. It’s a jumbled mish-mash of 20’s and 50’s style that belongs nowhere – certainly not on the stage of this prestigious theatre. On the night I was there, the dancers’ sense of rhythm and timing during Me Ole Bamboo was barely as acceptable as the actors’ collective sense of comic timing. Tick-er-tock. It was so poor in places that in comparison Michael Ball looked deserving of a place in the Royal Ballet.; after all the flack fired his way about his dancing ability, I was surprised at how ably he managed this number. All that CCBB needs to become an old-fashioned, honest to goodness, panto is for Potts to be played by a woman in tights, wearing boots tautly fitted around fat thighs. The Baroness, of course, should have been a fat old drag queen of a comedian. The rest of the show is already pure pantomime, a fact instantly recognised by the audience who boo and hiss as if to order. Most of the characters contain no subtleties or depth; cliché-d roles for hacking has-beens. If Chitty ever had an interesting plot then this production has clearly lost it. The show has its redeeming features. The wonderfully fairytale performance by Richard O’Brien as the Child Catcher, who alone in this production has grasped the fundamentals of his character to build an artistically stylised cornucopia of evil. There is also the innovative sets that catch the eye and mercifully pull ones attention away from so much turgid acting ‘business’. And, can we forget to mention the real star of the show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang herself who certainly out shines and out performs the human star. But considering the millions of dollars invested in it, I would have expected a car that not only flies and floats, but also sings God Save The Queen whilst tap-dancing on the ceiling. Ball, Blessed, McAuliffe, and Rodgers are surely better than their current performances indicate; they are seasoned performers who must have all sadly taken misdirection to their hearts and are simply doing as they’ve told. Maybe they should rebel and have a go at doing it their way. The show is simply not worth £40.00 of anyone’s money (apart from curiosity value). If you want to hear Michael Ball in a musical – save yourself 30 quid and go buy an album to discover what he is capable of. Chitty is clearly the wrong vehicle for him. If Chitty goes to Broadway then, hopefully for the Americans, only the car should make the flight. But if the London cast go too, please, someone, make sure they only have a one way ticket. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 13 May 02 |
| I think people should take this musical for what it is...a good time. It's not setting out to be a revolutionary show, its a spectacular, fun, panto-styled family musical. I do, however, agree that the sound system was not very impressive. We were situated at the back of the lower circle and we could not hear hardly any of the dialogue. But, im happy to say that this was corrected in the second act. I think the apex of the peice (apart from the car..) was the multi-talented Richard O'Brien. Maybe it's because im a rocky horrror fan, but he was brilliant. He was spooky in a surreal way and very comic at his demise. Go, and have fun. xxx - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 12 May 02 |
| An excellent show for all the family. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 29 Apr 02 |
| this is the best musical I have ever seen. And that is me speaking from the bottom of my heart. The car was truly amazing, as were the cast. I would have paid double the amount I paid because it was such an incredible evening. Oh and by the way..I thought Michael Ball's dancing was rather good! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 26 Apr 02 |
| Simply brilliant!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 26 Apr 02 |
| What a fantastic show. I was a bit apprehensive before going - I thought it would be hysterical to see Michael Ball doing "Me Ole Bamboo"! but he did it brilliantly. The whole cast seemed to be really enjoying themselves. I feel priviledged to have seen this show with its original cast. I also have to comment that the scenery was fantabulous. I couldn't believe how many different scenes there were - for example when the toy maker's shop came forward, and the boat behind the car! Amazing. Congratulations to all those involved in this production - both on stage and behind the stage! You have excelled. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 24 Apr 02 |
| Wonderfully happy show, fun to watch and participate in. All the lead cast are great, particularly Nicola McAuliffe, Michael Ball and Anton Rodgers. Michael has said on many occasions that he is no dancer but I still think he did pretty well during 'Ole Bamboo', and what a magical moment when Chitty sprouts winds and flies!! Maybe I am just a kid at heart, but I am definitely going back to see it again!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 24 Apr 02 |
| After missing out last Wednesday due to the champagne celebration of the previous opening night having gone to the car's head so that it wouldn't start, we finally got in and saw the show last night (24/4/02). As most of the critics have said the car's the star! That and the fantastic support the two leads get, make it a show worth seeing. Brian Blessed and Nichola McAuliffe are a fabulous Baron and Baroness Bomburst, Anton Rodgers a lovely Grandpa Potts, even the two children playing Jeremy and Jemimah on the night were very good (not seeming to be the precocious stage school types at all). Where the show fails is in the miscasting of Michael Ball as a "nutty inventor", unfortunately, he is too bland for the role. His singing voice is great but does not change i.e. Hushabye Mountain is a lullaby but he sings it as if he were bringing in a Les Mis showstopper. He does try a bit of dancing in Me Ol' Bamboo but the number is exceedingly toned down when he is on stage and he doesn't always keep in time. As for Emma Williams, she is definitely too young to be playing the woman that is Truly Scrumptious and, I think, attempts two steps of dance all the way through the show. Her posh accent and using words like "jiggered" do nothing to endear her to you, but those traits are not her fault, I blame the director and scriptwriter for that. They should let her speak more normally and leave out the so-called posh words and accent. Apart from the new Samba number the other new songs fall a bit flat. They just don't have the oomph of the originals. Ensemble, dogs and children all work very well, though the children versus adult scenes at the end seem a bit contrived (19 children and 3 adults bringing down 20 or so adults!!!) and Grandpa Potts's song "POSH" is now out of context and lost in the melee. Having said all that you have to go just to see the car and the support cast in action. The car is a wondrous feat of engineering and brings rapturous applause from the audience, besides the very annoying habit of clapping along every time the theme tune is sung or played. The support cast hold it all together. Out of 10 I'd give it 8 but if it has to play to full houses for two years to re-coup it's investment then it will fail as it wasn't full last night, only a week after it's opening. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 24 Apr 02 |
| This is a brilliant show that the whole family can enjoy together.I think Michael Balls playing of Caractacus as a devoted dad first,nutty professor second is just right.The scenes between Caractacus,Jeremy and Jemima are lovely. With a voice like his Hushbye Mountain was always going to be great but he has pulled the dancing off to. Anton Rogers is brilliant as Granpa. Emma Williams has a beautiful voice and when she and Michael perform the doll on a music box scene it is just enchanting. Richard O'brien is wonderfully scary as the childcatcher and Nicola McAuliffe and Brian Blessed are very flamboyant as the Baron and Baroness. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a couple of hours of fun,take on face value,enjoy the atmosphere and you will come out grinning from ear to ear....Brilliant!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 23 Apr 02 |
| fabulous, fun, spectacular, wonderful. just what the west end needs at the moment. The casting of Michael Ball and Truly is horribly dissapointing and underporwered though. But Nichola McAuliffe is SENSATIONAL. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 22 Apr 02 |
| Been to it it twice so far and LOVED it. All the cast were excellent, particularly Michael Ball and Anton Rodgers and of course Nicola McAuliffe. I have only seen the previews so am eagerly awaiting seeing the slightly changed version. It is what it is, two and half hours of very happy, fun theatre. When Chitty flies it is magic and you just have to clap along to those wonderfully familiar tunes, my favourite being 'Ole Bamboo'and I don't think Michael does too bad with that song either considering he is no dancer!! I really think Chitty is immune to any criticism now, it has large queues outside the Palladium booking for tickets and it took me ages to get through to book some more, so even if a few critics don't likt it the audiences most definitely do!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 22 Apr 02 |
| Stunning Show - The show is much more based on the book than the film. The sets are brilliant and the car - phenomenal! Of course the dancing is never going to be like the film (which was done in no more than 16 bars at a time) and MB will freely admit to not being a great dancer! However, Gillian Lynnes choreography is stylish and sharp. The songs are singalong and don't really test the vocal chords but I defy anyone not to have a lump in their throat when he sings hush-a-bye mountain. I went in an all adult group and we all came out wanting to book again. Go with an open mind prepared for a fun filled time you will not be disappointed. My only slight, very slight criticism is the new songs not very memorable but I guess when you are up against Truly Scrumptious, Roses of Success, Posh and of course the title song you are on to a loser! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 22 Apr 02 |
| I think I agree with most of the sunday reviews today, in that the show does not quite work. the car of course is brilliant (the original deus ex machina), but to me it seems a bit of a lazy production. Anthony Wards designs, apart from the logistical nightmare provided by the car, are sometimes rather threadbare, and not terribly original. How many times has he given us a small toy charging across the stage.....(The Lion the Witch the Wardrobe and Oklahoma to name but two), and the green silk flying trick was identical in The Lion. I think he definitely missed a trick with Vulgaria. it's just not frightening enough. and Adrian Noble, well full marks for pulling this all together as it must have been an extraordinary task with so many people, animals, children and technology, but I'm afraid he seems to have forgotten to direct and to tell the story. Should not someone have said that thopening just does not make any ense at all. Potts has to be a little eccentric and desperate and will try anything to raise money for his kids. Here MB just played him as a kindly doting father. And what about the whole dream thing that the film revolves around. it seems the director has not thought exactly what Chitty is. It is just a plain old magic car - but then MB does not seem a bit surprised, so did he actually invent it with all those tricks up its sleeve. In the film the whole Vulgarian thing is a dream, and therefore Chitty is not magical at all, until the final credit coda....dreams maybe can come true. And what happens to the plot with the two spies. the seem to be such an integral part of the plot (and what the hell is the magic ingredient they are looking for), then get totally ignored in the second half. a great waste of the wonderful actor Emil Wolk. What's happened to the relationship between the Baron and Baroness - not much going on there any more. I could go on and on, as I do think they have put all the effort in getting the show on the road, but not much into making any sense of it. And I don't buy the 'it's only a family show for the kids' nonsense either. There are much better cheaper kids show that are more thought out and are a more satisfying emotional experience. How rushed was that ending, and clumsily staged...what was going on at the party. And a grumble about the theatre. OK so there is a huge stage, but the front few rows have problems seeing anyone below the waste.....do they announce restricted view. Sorry this is a bit of a rant. Do read Nicola McCauliffes diaries in the chitty web sight as they are great. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 21 Apr 02 |
| after seeing a preview which had mb's understudy in it I have to say I thought it was brilliant - well done peter bishop, but of course the car is the main star and everybody in the theatre gasped in amazement! The one thing they should have changed is the terrible scene with the 2 vulgarian men, what a waste of time! I'm definately going again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 21 Apr 02 |
| it was a truly excellent show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 21 Apr 02 |
| Don't know about Mr. Blessed, but Michael did come out and apologised to us all. And not just us, according to the Evening Standard: "One of Ms Carrod's party received a special apology from the show's star Michael Ball. Ms Carrod said: "We saw Michael leave at the stage door and he was very apologetic. He spoke to Kelly, who suffers from Down's Syndrome and he told her how sorry he was." Shame about the car though...hope they get it fixed soon! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 21 Apr 02 |
| April 17th the night after the opening. After several annoucements to clear the Theatre and then the street outside, return at 8.15 after a coffee please said the man on the steps, as the crowd became hostile. Finally the car won the show was cancelled, the audience left with no wheren to go. But give then their due Richard OBrien and Nicol McAulife talked to the crowd at the stage dor for as long as they wanted them too, pity Mr Ball and Blessed did not come out and immeditely do the same! Mr Blessed apparently left by another door, very professional! Curiouasly the leading lady appeared to have no voice when trying to talk or mime to friends It was no ones fault that it had to be cancelled but remembering the parties from Wales, children left disappointed the whole thing could have been handled better and stop that bad publicity! We were impressed that the Palladium actually rang us a few days later to discus exhanges or refunds and immediately refunded our credit card Shows have to be cancelled and adults can understand (well there were exceptions on the night from grown mem who should have known better) But when children and bus trips are knowlingly involved a better plan could have been prepared for the worst case senario.! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 21 Apr 02 |
| A Great chunk of family entertainment take the kids and just watch there faces when they favourite car comes to life right in front of them i would of gladly paid ten times the amount of the ticket price if i knew beforehand what absolute delight it was going to be for my daughter - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 19 Apr 02 |
| Only one thing describes this show - DIRE For once I agree with Sheridan Morley - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 19 Apr 02 |
| With over £6million spent on the show, couldn't some money be spared for a decent book? While the car is stunning the effect works well once, why repeat it at the end of Act 2? A lot of money has been spent on the set but it looks like a cross between Doctor Doolittle and Witches of Eastwick. Is it just me or does anyone else find the habbit of the audience to clap along(mostly out of time) to any slightly upbeat number irritating - no wonder there has been moans about the sound system - I suspect it would sound ok without the panto clap along. Casting wise the highlight of the evening has to be Nicola Mcaulife and Rich O'Brien... Michael Ball and the whinning Emma Williams just don't cut it and don't getme started on Mr Ball's 'Dancing'!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 19 Apr 02 |
| Everything about the show is great!! Don't listen to te critics (in particular bitter and twisted Sheridan!!!!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 19 Apr 02 |
| just a general question.....does anyone know anything about the British premiere of a musical version of Chitty, that apparently played at the Gordon Craig in Stevenage some time ago - I ask this as I saw it mentioned in one of the performers biogs of a girl currently in Mamma Mia. This sounds intriguing. Having seen the show on the first night (and sat in the real chitty at the party afterwards....boy that was a thrill), I am still dumstruck by the car, but sadly found the rest of it all rather hollow, and limping along hardly being able to muster any drama. did we actually care about anything. I had hoped such a prestigious director might have added some psychology but as everyone has said it was little more than a panto. And i'm not sure Mr Noble can quite stage a big number. So many of them were desperately unfocused and messy with no clear idea for the staging. But I can forgive everything for those glorious moments when chitty flies. The rest can be seen on fast forward. By the way isn't Potts meant to be a little eccentric...there's a clue in the title. Sorry but I did not see any eccentricity in the performance. And I would have like the design of Vulgaria to have been pushed more towards Tim Burton land. But the car, oh the car. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 18 Apr 02 |
| May it R.I.P! Sad to charge families a fortune for a panto like this! Sell it on sundays only for £5 a seat and it could run "forever". - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 18 Apr 02 |
| Over the top, panto-style and none the worst for it! This is a great night out - a real spectacular. The cast are great - I agree that Nichola McAuliffe shines. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Even Michael Ball is good (& manages not to look too pleased with himself) - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 18 Apr 02 |
| The show is great entertainment,if you go with an open mind. The cast all do well, but obviously Chitty itself is the star! If you go expecting a piece of serious sung through musical drama, then you will be disappointed, but then it was never billed as that, and is afairly faithfull interpretation of the film. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The children played theirparts very well, and the named stars shone. Richard O'Brian as the childcatcher, is superbly frightening, but just enough to not terrify the children watching. Nicola McAuliffe and Brian Blessed are beautifully over the top characters, with great timing. Anton Rogers plays a wonderful eccentric, lovable Grandpa, and Truly is developing as the show has gone on. From a beginning in previews when there was little chemistry between the two main characters, she has obviously learned well, and the two play very well opposite each other now. Michael, although sadly underused, was the icing on the cake. He plays the character just right, as too much comedy from him would have been too much for the show - the Baron and Baroness and the spies are enough. Caractacus as a single, bemused single parent inventor is just right. Would I go and see it again? I have already booked, and although I openly admit to being a MB fan, I wouldstill revisit even if he weren't there! A definite great feelgood show, and just what the West End needed! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 17 Apr 02 |
| I sa one of the previews and it was superb!!! Michael Ball is brilliat in the main role as is Emma Williams as Truly. Richard O'Brian wa also great as the child catcher as was all the cast, including the hildren and dogs!! Finally the car and special effects were specacular!!! Go and see it now (don't listen to the WOS review!!!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 17 Apr 02 |
| Went to the show with an open mind and a doubting partner. Both throughly enjoyed the whole experience. The only week link was Truly. Kids were great as were the other stars. M Ball does not deserve the critisism he has received. He freely admits that he is no dancer, but on saying that his performance was excellent. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 17 Apr 02 |
| The moment the Overture began, the whole audience started clapping and you could tell we were in for a good night. OK, its not Les Mis but it is good family entertainment with some good set pieces even if the linkage between them is a bit unimaginative. Anton Rodgers was the weakest character for me and Nicola McAuliffe the strongest. Special mention for Richard O'Briens departure, rather him than me. Chitty does steal the show though. At the end of the show the whole theatre gave the cast and car a standing ovation. Would I go again - yes. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 14 Apr 02 |
| Absolutely fantastic!! A whole party of us went and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! These people that are just giving it one star obviously don't like musicals and have no nostalgia whatsoever. Everything was perfect. GO SEE IT!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 13 Apr 02 |
| OK, enough of reviewing a show before it has actually opened. You should consider yourselves lucky being able to see the show, as rough as it may be. What did you expect? It's in Previews, for crynig out loud! By Opening Night, miracles could happen! There could be rewrites, cuts, new sound system - or it could go down in flames as "the most expensive, *hitty -*hitty Flop-Flop in musical theatre history" Although , I hope it does splendidly and enjoys years of full houses. So, to help provide some balance and a different perspective, this my "Review of Preview Reviews." On MARCH 20, someone who seems a suitable understudy for The Childcatcher posted the following sour review: ["Quite dissapointing after such a big fuss made about a movie everyone had forgotten about-Not a single memorable song...The Car and the set are the stars but not enough to make this tripe worth 40 quid... Avoid...a sad panto!..." ] So, in defense of Chitty, I must point out the movie has millions of fans worldwide and I know I could break into a few notes of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and someone nearby will either become very frightened of me or join right in with a smile and say "I love that movie!". Sure, some of the songs aren't as well known as "Memory"or "There's No Business Like Show Business" - but give them a chance to make the leap to the musical stage. Several of the songs are already classics and I believe at least vaguely familiar to many musical enthusiasts and certainly, to millions of long time fans of the movie. As for me, I'm planning to see the show, as soon as I can raise the funds. I would be thrilled to pay the top ticket price for the preview. I WANT to experience how "awful" the show is. I WANT to be underwhelmed at Michael Ball not dancing like Dick Van Dyke. I WANT to sing along with forgettable songs from a forgotten movie. I WANT to see the car only fly to the orchestra pit. Most of all, I MUST see a production I've always dreamed of doing on stage but Chitty just had to fly! Well, someone with the same dream and a huge bankroll beat me to it. So what? It's finally happening and I want to sit in the audience and beam ear to ear with childish delight as I soak up every second of it! Yes, I'm a huge fan and I say "BRAVO!" to everyone involved with the production. Maybe, I'll be able to see the show before evil Childcatchers (critics) close it down. First, I have to get to London and it will be quite expensive, as I live in the United States. However, I'm more motivated than ever to get my passport, scrape and save up a few thousand dollars and make my way across the Big Pond. Now, If I only had a flying car.... - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 05 Apr 02 |
| The show still needs a LOT of work done on it....theres still time. Its very spectacular and kids will love it. Nichola McAuliffe and Brian Blessed are the stars... michael ball and truly are awful. He has NO charm and his dancing in Me Ol Banmboo (dredful pedestrian choreography) is embarrasing. Toot sweets also crap. Why didnt they employ a choreographer who is witty like stephen mears or Craig revel horwood (think thats his name!) to do it.??? Truly is too young, and her clothes are very dissapointing. On the whole though a fun night out....will get a lot better im sure in the nxt few weeks... (oh yes...and sound is appling for such a big show)..... - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 04 Apr 02 |
| I saw Chitty last week, thought it was a good entertaining show. It's nice family entertainment and I am sure by the time the actual show opens in April that most of the small problems will be ironed out. With the cost of tickets so high, I am surprised people with no interest in it would bother to go. The car was very cleverly handled and steals the show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 04 Apr 02 |
| Sadly at the performance i went to,the kids were not enjoying it and were bored stiff and started talking and shouting near me anyway. A show for grown up kids and people that admire Michael Ball-which is okay to do,but really this is not the correct show for him to shine his many talents,I think he will become as bored with it as the kids were at my show before too long,a few things that were a pleasant surprise one being the bright faced Emma Williams as Truly. McAullifee and Blessed are there usual annoying selves as a kind of ugly sisters of the panto! Only go to this if you love to swoon at Michael Ball otherwise ,go see something with better orchestrations and an improved sounded system ,loud enough to drown out the bored children and many adults I imagine in the audience. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 03 Apr 02 |
| OK, it's an overgrown panto. SO WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT? The children loved it and the adults were laughing as well. It's FUN! Go see it for a happy night out. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 02 Apr 02 |
| I agree it is panto and an old fashioned one at that-and if anyone is pleasantly surprised by Balls dancing you must work in a zoo and used to elephants banging around ,as that is what Ball looks like-trying to dance and no songs here that he can impress with-a poor musical panto and one to avoid. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 02 Apr 02 |
| I had a great time watching this on Saturday. Agree that the sound needs improving, but other than that I thought it was a thoroughly enjoyable show with a great cast. Great family entertainment, certainly not a 'sad panto'!! As for MB's dancing - I was pleasantly surprised myself! Can't wait to see it again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 Apr 02 |
| Sadly nothing new or startling here,another old fashioned musical with the worse sound system I have ever heard. If you want this type of nostalgia buy the movie on dvd and see a lead who can dance and has the charisma and talent to carry off a rather weak invention of Ian Fleming! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 Apr 02 |
| Sorry, didn't intend to register a score in the post below. But to compensate, I'd give it a 5 now. If we are going to judge during previews - then the cast deserve this! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 30 Mar 02 |
| Shouldn't reviews wait until at least the show has officially opened? - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 30 Mar 02 |
| No one could ever be as good as Dick Van Dyk, but Michael Ball is great as Caracticus Potts. People have been complaining about his dancing, but he certainly held his own. Richard O'Brien is so evil as the Child Catcher - excellent. Grandpa and the baroness were excellent characters. It was difficult to hear the words sometimes, but hopefully they will fix that and the end is definately a bit rushed. But despite that, the set is fantastic and the chorus dancers top notch. 'Favorite song has to be 'Grow The Roses' - top marks for that. Chitty is amazing!!! The flying scene has to be one of my all time favorite special effects! Some of the songs go on too long - like Toot Sweets and it's very schmulzy in places but I will definately be seeing this again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 26 Mar 02 |
| Quite dissapointing after such a big fuss made about a movie everyone had forgotten about-Not a single memorable song and Ball is a joke as Potts. The Car and the set are the stars but not enough to make this tripe worth 40 quid a ticket! Avoid if you like real musicals and not a sad panto! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 20 Mar 02 |
| Brilliant! A stage production is never going to achieve what the film did and of course Dick van Dyke is in a league of his own when it comes to dancing and singing but Michael Ball was very appealing, especially when he sung 'Lullaby Mountain'. Why they left out 'Lovely Lonely Man' I don't know, especially as some rather less successful songs were added. The sets were fantastic, the inventions mind-boggling and the dancing exceptional. Definitely for those who are young at heart and you could take your children as well!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 20 Mar 02 |
| Chitty First preview. 19th March Start 7.37 interval 8.55 ActII 9.30 end 10.30 Merchandise Programme with theatregoer Large Chitty Car £15 Small Chitty Car £5 Mug £5 T_Shirts £10 The main Cast Michael Ball Michael trys his best and sweats buckets ,his dancing is okay but sadly not many songs he can let rip on and only Teamwork in the second act is where he can really only his lungs a bit. Emma Williams Very Sweet and good performance has a nice voice but shame Trulys ballad from the movie was cut as it would have been nice to have a romantic song as a antidote to some of the slapstick. Anton Rodgers Stole the show for me as his timing was great and really funny as bumbling Granpa Potts Richard O Brein Is great as the child catcher and does not look 60 years old and is in the show enough really and gets the usual hisses and boos as nasty characters allways do. Nichola McAulliffe She does her best but to was very irraitating and her and the barons parts have been extended from the movie but to me were in it far too long. Brain Blessed His usual loud self and guess this part was made for him but does not really do much for me,too much like a cartoon character for my liking. Edward Petherbridge Is very good as Coggins and the larger part of the toymaker in a great scence in his workshop one of the best setsin the show ,opens like a Dolls house. The kids as Jemima and Jeremy are really good as are all the kids in the dungoens on Vulgaria. There was great excitement in the air before the start of the show,with Robert Scott the md making so worried looking phone calls,but eventually the overture started witht the starins on the familar chitty theme. The monaco car race scene dragged a bit going from monaco to the london grand prix , but all in all the first half is very good the me ol Bamboo is a colourful dance number which Michael Ball does his best to dance but compared to Dick Van Dyke failed to live up to the movie dance routine and does not really sing the lead in song and only sings as a emsemble. A few songs in the song dragged for me a bit like Think Vulgar,The Roses Of Success,Ch-Chi Face and The Bombie somba are entertaining but need work and it is a first preview, as I am sure things will improve,could have done without the audiece clapping along with the title song. The sets the kids and special effects are all great and the moment Chitty rises from under the stage is a great momemnt and gets a great round of applause,when it flys around though does not come past the orchestra pit. And when The Child Cather goes through the roof another great moment and sure the kids will love it,but for me not enough really strong songs and guess it was only made as a pet project of the very rich Broccilli family,shame Albert R didnt make Willy Wonka as that in my view would have made a better musical. I was sat in one of the side seats are greatly reduced prices and are very good value considering seats a few away will be £40 in the main run. All in All a very enjoyable evening and got a standing ovation from a few when Micheal Ball took his bows. It is though really just a big lovely very lavish Pantomime. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 20 Mar 02 |
