This production had dual casts in the principal roles. In the interest of fairness to all we reviewed both casts. Brian Godfrey reviewed the Scrumptious cast and Terry Mountstephen reviewed the Fantasmagorical cast.
Scrumptious Cast
Ten years ago Pelican Productions staged the South Australian amateur premiere of the full stage version of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” complete with the titular magical car. This time they have dusted off the said car for its 10th Anniversary, but are performing the Jr version. A lot shorter with some scenes and songs cut by the original authors.
The stage musical is based on the 1968 film of the same name starring Dick Van Dyke, which was in turn based on a children’s book by James Bond author Ian Fleming. The plot revolves around Jeremy and Jemima Potts and their efforts to get their eccentric inventor father, Caractacus to save and fix up a battered, rusting old Grand Prix racer. The car is transformed into the magical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (named because of the noise its engine and muffler make). Throw in a love interest (of course!); two rulers of a fictional European country – he loves toys, she hates children; a couple of dopey spies; an evil Child Catcher; and an eccentric Grandpa and you have the mix for a great time at the theatre.
It is evident all throughout this production that Director Jethro Pidd has an absolute flair when it comes to comedy. He knows what works and more importantly, how to communicate that to his actors, especially when it comes to characterisation, even down to the smallest balloon holder. He clearly knows what audiences wants and gives it to them in car boot loads. He has managed to keep the action flowing smoothly giving us something to look at most of the time. To this end, Pidd, together with Sarah Schwab, is responsible for the great vision design and animation that help keep the story alive – pay attention to the rollercoaster and the sea at the beach, in particular.
Music Director, Rosie Hosking, has managed to get a beautiful sound out of everyone with perfect blending of any harmonies: and fairly good diction from all. Choreography by Nina Richards suits the action, with some terrific Broadwayish style flash showing in numbers such as “Me Ol’ Bamboo” and “Toot Sweet”. The choreography of the Guards in “Chu-Chi Face” is especially impressive.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the car itself, is of vital importance to the story and a character in itself. It must look like a perfect copy of the film and professional version and appear to ‘float’ and ‘fly’. Thanks to the team of Scott Green, Paul Lanzilli and Phil McLaughlin, Chitty rises to the occasion wonderfully, capturing our hearts immediately. Go Chitty!!
This production has two casts: the Fantasmagorical Cast and the Scrumptious Cast. I reviewed the Scrumptious cast. The entire cast, including the Ensemble, whose list of names would be bigger than my bank balance, are truly scrumptious. Chitty soars with the aid of wings, but this cast soar higher without the aid of wings, due to their energy, enthusiasm and talent. However, I must mention two of the Ensemble: Shayan Jahromi as the bullying Junkman (great characterisation) and Stef Garrod as the evil Child Catcher (more slimy evilness that even Sir Robert Helpmann in the film).
Sarah Edis and Tessa Richards as Jeremy and Jemima Potts respectively are absolutely charming and never precocious. They are clear in their diction and brighten up the stage whenever on. I must admit that I become a bit skeptical when young people try to play adults, but Aidan Salmon as loving father and eccentric inventor, Caractacus, and Ophelia Edis as Truly Scrumptious both show maturity in action, speech and vocals. They have made this reviewer eat his words, big time! Due to the limited time of Jr shows, the scripts need to be highly expurgated , and therefore the delightful character of Grandpa Potts has been cut down drastically. However, Reo Gerhardy makes the most of the part and gives the audience their monies worth. His stiff legged walk and one of the best British Regimental ‘posh’ I have heard are worth the price of a ticket alone.
Eleanor Nott and Emma Devine as stupid spies Boris and Goran show us how slapstick and silliness should be played without ever taking it too far. Their great stereotypical European accents never blur their diction – as is sometimes the case with those roles. Talking of Stereotypical European accents, two of the best this reviewer has heard come from Harrison Thomas as Baron Bombast and Evie Dew as his wife, Baroness Bombast. Harrison and Evie both capture the almost cartoonish manners of their characters perfectly and are the comic highlights of the production.
There is a lyric in one of the songs from the show that states “Teamwork makes the dream work” and that is certainly true of this production. Everyone onstage and off who is involved with this show has certainly made the dream work.
This production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr” is absolutely Fantasmagorical!!!
Fantasmagorical Cast
Pelican Productions’ Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr was a delight from start to finish, brought to life by an exceptionally talented cast who filled the stage with energy, discipline, and charm. With 45 young performers on stage, there wasn’t a single passenger — every individual contributed to the magic, staying in character and engaged whether in the spotlight or supporting the action. The result was a polished, professional performance that left the audience smiling.
As Caractacus Potts, Thomas White showed remarkable versatility — even juggling at one point. His singing, particularly in the tender “Hushabye Mountain,” was beautifully delivered, and his dancing particularly impressed in the lively “Me Ol’ Bamboo”. The ensemble delivered sharp, synchronised movement with infectious energy, and when Potts had to blend in with them, Thomas White matched their pace while cleverly giving the impression of just picking it up on the spot.
Reo Gerhardy made for a lovable, quirky Grandpa Potts. With clear diction, excellent movement, and a willingness to lean fully into the character’s eccentricities, he was both endearing and memorable.
The young Potts children were equally strong. Jack Pipprell (Jeremy) and April Sprules (Jemima) brought natural charm to their roles, with clear dialogue, bright energy, and just the right level of sweetness. Their scenes were imbued with childlike innocence without ever tipping into saccharine.
Maddison Fox impressed as Truly Scrumptious, bringing poise, intelligence and vocal strength to the role. Her clear, powerful singing and grounded characterisation made her character believable both as a friend to the children and as a strong presence alongside Potts.
Among the villains, Sam White was a crowd favourite as Baron Bomburst. His gleeful, larger-than-life interpretation captured the character’s childishness perfectly, and his comic exaggeration drew delighted laughter from the audience. Millie McDonald as the Baroness was a wonderful match, and their chemistry together, particularly in “Chu-Chi Face,” was a highlight. Their guards added extra humour in this scene, fully invested in the moment.
Kamili Jeans brought warmth and sincerity to the Toymaker, a gentle and likeable presence. In contrast, the ensemble delivered full-throttle energy in numbers such as “Toot Sweet” and “Teamwork.” The latter featured a standout performance from Grace Nagesh (Toby), whose singing, dancing, and stage presence made her hard to look away from.
The surprises weren’t only in the performances — a brief appearance by real dogs running across the stage brought delighted laughter from the audience, another reminder of Pelican’s flair for stagecraft and fun.
Vocally, the production sparkled, with strong ensemble harmonies and lovely moments from soloists in “Hushabye Mountain,” complementing Thomas White’s lead. Across the board, the cast demonstrated discipline, teamwork, and a maturity that belied their years.
Congratulations are due to Director Jethro Pidd, Music Director Rosie Hocking, and Choreographer Nina Richards, whose guidance, skill, and shaping of these young performers were evident in every moment. The “Fantasmagorical” cast was outstanding — professional, polished, and thoroughly entertaining.
