Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Wyong Musical Theatre Company has scored a coup these school holidays by presenting the regional premiere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The musical, about a magical flying car, is based off the generationally beloved film created by Ian Fleming and starring Dick Van Dyke.

Director Greg Derry has done a fine job finding endearing leads. Simon Castles as Caractacus Potts and Hannah Greenshields as Truly Scrumptious are vocally sublime - musical director Michael Partridge has been handed a gift with their casting. The haunting ‘Hushabye Mountain’ is a particular favourite due to Castle’s beautiful resonance. New choreographer Courtney Randall establishes the energy of the show with her dances – ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ being a slick and polished standout of the production.  

The supporting cast all give enthusiastic portrayals of their cartoonish, larger than life characters. The Baron (Duane Shore), Baroness (Kathryn Peterson) and secret service spies Boris and Goran (delightfully played by brothers Jamie and Harrison Sturgess) provide titillating comic relief. However, special note must be made of Grandpa Potts – Peter Hellier. His huge stage presence was such a welcome treat; you were left counting the time until he was back on stage. 

This is a technically complex show – after all ‘Chitty’ is a flying car - and WMTC have done an admirable job attempting to satisfy the demanding requirements. Apart from a few hitches in this regard as well as some missed opportunities in regards to use of ensemble and characterisation, the production was extremely well received by its family orientated audience. 

If you are on the Central Coast these school holidays, don’t miss your chance to catch a ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Art House Wyong.

Clare James

Photographer: Joseph Issa.