Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Altrincham Garrick

I SAW the film for the first time at the aged of eight and remember being completely captivated by the idea of a car with magical powers.

The idea really grabbed my imagination and the good news is five decades later this uplifting - no pun intended - tale is still able to capture the imagination of today’s kids judging by the silence that pervaded every corner of the Garrick auditorium on Monday night.

You could, quite literally, hear a pin drop.

The production has a dream team of creatives behind it and a cast who are determined the audience, children and adults, are totally swept along by this fun filled evening of classic, feel good musical theatre.

Director Joe Meighan, musical director Mark Goggins and choreographer Louise Pettitt serve up a theatrical feast that’s flawless in every way. The production brings a welcome dose of colour to these dark and miserable autumn nights.

This is an evening of unbridled, unashamed escapism. We the audience find ourselves transported to a world of colourful, larger than life characters.

Rhys Nuttall is perfect for the role of Caractacus Potts, a widowed inventor devotedly bringing up his two children. Nuttall has a singing voice that wouldn’t sound our of place on a professional stage and the same can also be said of Natalie Hayes who plays Truly Scrumptious, the show’s love interest. Her voice is one of the purest I’ve heard for some time.

Ivor Farley is a delight as the globe trotting Grandpa, sharing the responsibility of raising Jeremy and Jemima, his grandchildren, with Caractacus, as Caractacus dreams of making his fortune and securing his family’s future.

The role of the ridiculously spoilt man child Baron Bomburst is a gift for Pete Brassington who treats us to some memorably funny exchanges with Hannah Edwards who plays the long suffering Baroness. Together, they’re a hoot.

Add a score that’s packed with crowd pleasers and you have the recipe for a hugely enjoyable, fun filled night out.

Until October 29. For tickets, call 0161 928 1677 or visit www.altrinnchamgarrick.co.uk.

Please note - at the time of writing only a few seats remained.

Photo by Martin Ogden.