Manchester’s Palace Theatre is currently hosting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a magical production that blends nostalgia with theatrical brilliance.
Directed by Thom Southerland, this UK tour reimagines the beloved 1968 film and stage musical with charm, energy, and a touch of theatrical wizardry, captivating audiences of all ages.
Ore Oduba leads the cast as Caractacus Potts, bringing a perfect mix of warmth, humour, and sincerity to the role of the eccentric inventor. His performance is particularly striking in the tender Hushabye Mountain, where his vocals offer an emotional depth to the character’s love for his late wife.
Oduba shares great chemistry with Charlie Banks and Lara Simons, who play his children, Jeremy and Jemima. Their natural on-stage dynamic creates an authentic portrayal of a loving family, drawing the audience into their heartwarming journey.
Ellie Nunn shines as Truly Scrumptious, exuding elegance while also showcasing a feisty, independent spirit. From her determined motorcycle repair scene to her stunning rendition of Doll on a Music Box, Nunn delivers a standout performance that is both captivating and graceful.
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Her chemistry with Oduba is truly heartwarming, especially in Lovely Lonely Man, where she sings while soaring through the sky in Chitty, adding a magical touch to the production.
The supporting cast brings further joy to the performance. Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner are a riot as the Baron and Baroness Bomburst, delivering impeccable comic timing and embracing a delightfully over-the-top, camp portrayal of the royal couple.
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Ore Oduba in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Credit: Paul ColtasEllie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Credit: Paul Coltas
Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph, as the bumbling spies Boris and Goran, add slapstick humour in the Palace Theatre, though some of their repetitive jokes wear thin after a while.
Charlie Brooks, however, stands out as the chilling Child Catcher, leaving a sinister impression on the audience. Though her presence is limited, Brooks’ commanding performance proves she could have taken up more space in the production.
A unique feature of this production is the inclusion of local young performers in each city. In Manchester, children from Elm Arts Company join the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ensemble for a special musical number in Act Two. Their high-energy performance adds an extra layer of magic, demonstrating their talent and enthusiasm, leaving the audience wanting more.
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The show’s timeless score, composed by the Sherman Brothers, is a major highlight. Iconic numbers like Me Ol’ Bamboo and Toot Sweets energise the crowd, with the dance routine for Me Ol’ Bamboo being a particularly thrilling moment. The live orchestra enhances the grandeur of the production, giving it the feel of a West End show.
Charlie Brooks makes a chilling Childcatcher. Credit: Paul ColtasAdam Stafford and Michael Joseph, as the bumbling spies Boris and Goran. Credit: Becky Lee Brun
The ensemble’s physicality in the dance numbers and their ability to bring the infectious energy of the music to life is impressive.
Morgan Large’s set design is inventive, using movable crates and backdrops to transition smoothly between scenes. The clever use of puppetry, especially with the English sheepdog Edison, adds a whimsical touch that delights the audience, particularly younger viewers.
However, while the sets are practical and effective for a touring production, some of the locations – such as the sweet factory and Bulgarian palace – lack the grandeur expected in a show like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, especially when compared to the central spectacle of the magical flying car.
Chitty herself is the undeniable star of the show. The car’s flying sequence is a breathtaking moment, earning a spontaneous round of applause as it soars through the air, capturing the audience’s imagination.
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Ore Oduba in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which is in Manchester. Credit: Paul Coltas
Though the show is filled with charm, there are moments where it embraces pantomime-style comedy, especially in the Vulgarian scenes. While this approach is fun for younger audiences, some adults may find it a bit overplayed. The use of innuendos adds another layer of humour, one that goes unnoticed by children but provides a good laugh for the grown-ups, continuing the tradition of classic British wit.
At the end of the show, the company paid a heartfelt tribute to James Lee Williams, also known as The Vivienne, who portrayed the Child Catcher in previous performances. This tribute added an emotional layer to the production, and their portrayal left a lasting impression on the audience.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Palace Theatre is a truly scrumptious production, combining outstanding performances, memorable songs, and magical stage effects to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re revisiting this childhood classic or discovering it for the first time, this high-flying adventure is sure to leave you with a smile – and perhaps a catchy tune in your head long after the final curtain.
The production runs until Saturday 16 March so make sure you don’t miss the chance to experience this timeless masterpiece, brought to life here at The Palace Theatre, Manchester – grab tickets HERE.
Oasis are back…in surreal new Britpop comedy ‘The Battle’ at the Opera House Manchester
Clementine Hall
The greatest pop rivalry of all time has been turned into a quick-witted, razor-sharp comedy.
And do you know what? It’s a proper laugh.
Oasis vs Blur, north vs south… it really is a tale as old as time, and one that symbolised a divided nation back in 1995.
This new play, written by past record industry bod John Niven, explores the testosterone-fuelled tantrums that came after the decision to release Blur’s Country House singlealongside Oasis’ Roll With It.
Image: Supplied (Helen Murray)
We’re plunged into backstage Britpop bickering right at the very start at none other than the Brit Awards, which is quite apt for a Manchester audience who have just witnessed the city hosting the awards for the first time.
From the offset, Paddy Stafford and George Usher who played Noel and Liam Gallagher, proved themselves as standout performances.
The physical mannerisms, the vocal nuances, they both had it down to an absolute T and looked exceptional in parkas, might I add.
Images: Supplied (Helen Murray)
By portraying such icons, in Manchester no less, you’re opening yourself up to a lot of criticism but their performances, which could’ve been perceived as awkward impressions, were the highlight of the evening.
The first act explores the rivalry between the two bands in depth, featuring countless slinging matches that are peppered with quick-witted remarks and plenty of swearing.
The between-scenes animations by John O’Connor portray radio DJs stoking the hysteria with the latest gossip, which is a nice way to keep the audience in check with whats going on amidst the chaos.
Image: Supplied (Helen Murray)
But it’s in the second act when things start to get really, really weird – and equally as fun.
I’m not going to spoil it for you, because that’s the whole point.
But what I will say is if you’re going for an Oasis singalong then you’re not going to get it, but you may want to brush up on your Take That lyrics.
The Battle is on at the Opera House Manchester until Saturday 21 March and you can get your tickets here.
A new stage adaptation of a Virginia Woolf classic is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
With both World Book Day and International Women’s Day having only just passed, it feels like perfect timing for a UK tour of a new theatrical adaptation of one of the most important works of feminist writing ever to have just been announced: Mrs. Dalloway.
And, of course, it’s being brought to Manchester.
The legendary modernist novel by Virginia Woolf has already been adapted for stage and screen multiple times, but this most recent version has been hailed as “cinematic”, “immersive”, and striving to be just as ‘radical’ as the original masterpiece itself.
It’s one of the latest shows coming to Storyhouse in Chester for a world premiere, before heading out across the UK for just a select few special performances.
A co-production between said Storyhouse, as well as Harlow Playhouse and CutToTheChase Productions, it’s been co-created by award-winning director Jen Heyes, with help from Olivier Award-winning writer and performer, Kit Green.
Green takes up the role not only of the titular and long-studied character for this bold reimagining of Clarissa, but will also feature as husband Richard Dalloway, tragic supporting character Septimus Warren Smith, and others.
Bookworms and English literature students will likely have come across the name at least in passing, even if they haven’t read it for themselves, and it still remains just as striking now as it was when first published back in 1925.
Elsewhere referred to as The Hours in her diary entries, the text inspired a 2002 Hollywood movie using that ‘original’ working title starring Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Meryl Streep – all of whom play women whose story mirrors that tale and/or troubles of Virginia Woolf in some way.
Most famously, however, it was also turned into an eponymous British film in the late 90s, with Vanessa Redgrave as an older Mrs Dalloway and Natascha McElhone as her younger self.
Virginia WoolfThe first major version of Mrs Dalloway on film (1997)Green embodying one of many rolesCredit: Topfoto/NTB (via NDLA)
Both have little cult followings of their own, as you would expect from anything with the famous writer’s name attached to them, but theatre fans have every reason to be very excited about this next take.
Speaking ahead of the inaugural performance of the play, director Jen Heyes said in a statement, “I wanted audiences to step inside Woolf’s world and see it in a way they won’t expect.
“We’ve mixed theatre, film, and bold reinterpretations to create something alive, surprising, moving, and entertaining. My hope is that people leave the theatre carrying the story with them long after the lights go down.”
Following the Cheshire debut on Friday, 29 May, running until 6 June, the production will head to Harlow in Essex, and Wilton’s Music Hall in London, before landing at beloved local theatre, cinema and arts space, HOME, over on First Street this autumn.
The stage version of Mrs. Dalloway will be in Manchester from 24-26 September (Thurs-Sat); you can grab your tickets HERE. We’ve been spoiled by some VERY good new material of late…
Dec Kelly -
12th March 2025 
