“There’s already a really contagious energy around Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It’s on another level,” says Max, who’s starring in MYCO‘s adaption of the famous musical, coming soon to Oxford Playhouse.
“There will be a cast of 52 sharing their passion for musical theatre on stage, so Musical Youth Company of Oxford feels like one big family – there’s a real camaraderie – and everyone is really excited,” Max adds.
And with a four metre car, an airship and a steam-punk themed Vulgaria to plan, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang looks set to be a fantasmagorical production.
‘Everyone on stage is having the time of their lives’
“It’s so much fun – everyone on stage is having the time of their lives,” producer Julie Todd tells us.
For those who haven’t come across the film or the musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is based on a story by the creator of James Bond, Ian Fleming, and made into an iconic film. It centres around the eccentric Caractacus Potts and his children, who after meeting the adventurous Truly Scrumptious, end up in Vulgaria, a land of fantasy, where the scary Child Catcher is under orders to round up all the children.
So why take on such a mammoth project? “Well firstly, we wanted to do something completely different to our last musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie READ OUR REVIEW HERE which was brilliant but very gritty and contemporary, because we want our audiences to have a really varied experience,” Julie explains.
‘It’s so much fun to be part of. There’s such a good vibe around this show already’
“And then Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The Musical became available, and it’s already in everybody’s consciousness – we all know the songs and have grown up with the story, so it’s multi-generational, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
“Logistically and technically it is a big challenge, so we didn’t say yes until we found a car, because you can’t stage Chitty without a flying car! But once we’d located one we knew we could push go.”
Throw in choreographer Catie Simpson, who appeared in the original production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium for over two years, and was Children’s Director and Assistant Resident Director on the international tour, and you can expect some fresh and exciting dancing.
‘there is a huge pressure to get it right, because everyone knows the 1960s film, but it’s such a great, fun story to work with, full of absurdity and fantasy’
“It is a blessing having Catie on board because Chitty is a big stage musical with some big dance numbers like Bombie Samba and Me Ol’ Bamboo, and we want to get them right. It’s about creating the right mood and atmosphere, and all the joy that Chitty brings, so we are working hard to bring that about,” Julie says.
“We have also really gone to town on the costumes. They are so imaginative, and Vulgaria has a steam-punk theme rather than the traditional Bavarian outfits because the baron has a fascination with toys and machines, cogs and mechanics, so it fits really well.
The set is another assault to the senses, so there’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to make this a real spectacle. “It’s our most ambitious set to date but you can get away with that in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” Julie agrees.
‘there’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to make this a real spectacle’
“So while there is a huge pressure to get it right, because everyone knows the 1960s film – it’s a classic, just like the musical – it’s such a great, fun story to work with, full of absurdity and fantasy.
“But fun aside, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang also focuses on the importance of family community and hope, teamwork, and, of course, the baddies get their comeuppance,” Julie smiles.
Elsie, who plays Goran the spy, agrees: “It’s so much fun to be part of. There’s such a good vibe around this show already. And the big cast really elevates it in terms of the sound and energy.”
And with some new MYCO cast members rehearsing, including some younger performers who play the sewer children, and Jeremy and Jemima Potts, the scene is complete. “They are so brilliant and work as hard as everyone else. They bring a real authenticity to the production and are incredible to watch,” Max says.
‘We want people to leave Oxford Playhouse smiling’
Elsie agrees: “You can feel the love for Chitty on stage, so there is a real buzz around the rehearsals. We are loving every minute. And we think our audiences could do with a bit of joy at the moment.
“So buy your tickets Toots Sweets,” Julie quips, “its going to be fantastic with so many talented youngsters acting their socks off and melodies that will have you singing along. We want people to leave Oxford Playhouse smiling.”
MYCO’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at Oxford Playhouse from April 1-4. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/chitty-chitty-bang-bang
