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22 Oct 2025

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Truly Magnificent

Hit musical wows Torquay audiences

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Simply Magnifcent

What a show - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The new touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is pure magic from start to finish.

The new touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is pure magic from start to finish. It's a joyful adventure that will leave you beaming and eager to book tickets for another round!
This enchanting tale of an old race car soared into the Princess Theatre, Torquay, this week, and without a doubt, it's one of the best musicals I've seen on this stage in over 20 years of reviewing shows.
Having grown up with the musical film based on Ian Fleming's book, I had high expectations, and this production exceeded them in every way—from the comedy to the choreography to the staging. The technical brilliance is also something to behold!
Directed by Thom Southerland, this version follows the beloved characters on a thrilling journey to restore the car known as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and fend off the villainous Child Catcher along the way.
Adam Garcia, known for his lead role in hit movie Coyote Ugly and numerous stage performances including Wicked and 42nd Street, shines as the eccentric yet endearing Caractacus Potts. He forms a heart-warming bond and friendship with Truly Scrumptious, played by Ellie Nunn.
Their chemistry is perfect, and their vocals are a delight, delivering West End-quality performances.
Charlie Brooks, famous for her role as the notorious Janine in EastEnders, takes on the Child Catcher role, bringing a fresh twist by playing the traditionally male character. Her brief but impactful performance was delightfully eerie and left a lasting impression.
The crowd favourites were the comedic Vulgarian spies Boris and Goran, portrayed by Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph. Their slightly camp, pantomime-like antics had the audience laughing throughout the show. Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner, as the Baron and Baroness, also contributed to the humour with impeccable comic timing.
But the true star of the show is, of course, the car. Thanks to some theatre magic, Chitty takes flight, soaring high almost up into the rafters of the Princess Theatre. Given the small stage, it was no small feat to pull off such an impressive spectacle, but it was unforgettable.
The musical numbers, including "Me Ol’ Bamboo," "Toot Sweets," "Bombie Samba," and a heartfelt rendition of "Hushabye Mountain," are memorable, keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is now a firm family favourite for both myself and my nine-year-old son, who loved every moment of the show.
Don't miss out, book your tickets now before it flies off to its next destination! The show runs at the Princess Theatre, Torquay, until August 11.

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