Theatre Review: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Bristol Hippodrome
Dates: Tuesday 29th April – Sunday 4th May 2025
Timing: 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
Rating: ★★★★
Last night I had the joy of watching Ian Fleming’s beloved, timeless story being brought to life on the magical stage of the Bristol Hippodrome. As one of the first musicals I was ever introduced to as a child, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang reminded me just how truly scrumptious the imaginative and magical world still is—and the wonderful cast and crew which delivered this production certainly didn’t disappoint.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of hearing the wonderful story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it follows the Potts family on a journey to discover their magical racing car. After Caractacus Potts works tirelessly to restore the broken down car for his children, Jemima and Jeremy, Chitty takes them on a thrilling adventure over land and sea all while trying to outwit the eccentric villains to protect their beloved, Chitty.
This magical tale is paired beautifully with The Sherman Brothers songs which were masterfully performed by both the orchestra and ensemble on the night. Jessica Viner skilfully conducted the orchestra with great precision and accuracy. The audience also enjoyed a tasteful moment where the 4th wall was broken by the Baroness (Jenny Gayner) drawing our attention to the wonderful musicians in the pit.
Two standout characters in the production were Boris, portrayed by Adam Stafford, and Goran, portrayed by Michael Joseph. The entire audience was left in fits of laughter with their skilful comedic timing. The pair strike the perfect balance between comedy and narrative, intertwining the two different settings of the show, adding depth and charm to the overall production.
The audience was on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the truly spectacular reveal of Chitty—and it certainly did not disappoint. The moment left everyone in awe of how the production team pulled off such a demanding theatrical feat. I personally left the theatre still wondering how they managed to portray it so brilliantly. I also appreciated how Director Thom Southerland creatively tackled the challenge of depicting scenes where the Potts family appears in the distance, adding depth and imagination to the staging in a comedic way.
My favourite moments from the show were the big ensemble numbers, such as “Toot Sweets” and “Me Ol’ Bamboo.” It was during these numbers where the talent of each cast member was showcased and is vital for such a vibrant and dynamic show. The harmonies were beautiful—there’s something magical about hearing all those voices come together—and the choreography was equally impressive, full of energy, precision, and personality.
To experience the musical fun for yourself, head to www.atgtickets.com to book tickets. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is running at the Hippodrome until Sunday 4th May, with a host of exciting theatrical productions still to come.
For those looking to extend the festivities, why not start the night with an early dinner at The Square Club, just a short walk down Park Street from Berkeley Square down to the theatre. Then end the night in luxury by treating yourself to the sumptuous Berkeley Suites, recently awarded the Condé Nast Award for Excellence. We can’t think of a better way to end a glorious evening at the Hippodrome.
