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.
Beloved local actor David Threlfall is returning to Manchester theatre after nearly three decades as King Lear
Danny Jones
Much-loved local actor and director David Threlfall is set to return to the Manchester theatre circuit after nearly three whole decades as he prepares to play King Lear at the Royal Exchange.
That’s right: Frank Gallagher himself is about to be one of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters in one of his most legendary plays.
Returning to the very same stage on which his career first began budding after 27 years since last treading the boards, the Shameless, Nowhere Boy and Hot Fuzz star will be donning the titular role in arguably the greatest tragedy of all time at the Manchester city centre theatre this coming autumn.
First announced last month, we’ve finally learned more about this significant comeback and can barely contain our excitement.
The seasoned thespian who is best known for playing UK TV’s well-known and perpetually drunk Northern dad, not to mention embodying fellow British performer Tommy Cooper, has plenty of roots in playhouses, but it’s fair to say he’s been gone from Greater Manchester for a hot minute.
Set to lead the cast in the new adaptation, directed by Matthew Dunster – himself a local Lancashire lad schooled in Chadderton – this feels like a proper homegrown production.
For anyone who’s never really experienced the historic tale by ‘Old Bill, the Bard of Avon’, to put it in the Royal Exchange’s words, it “charts a kingdom where power corrupts, families become enemies and prosperity devolves into war.
“At its centre is the mind of a man who can no longer understand what it means to be human. Lear is a searing portrait of a king unable to distinguish truth from lies. As the storm rises and night falls, language, identity and meaning break down completely.”
To be fair, you could argue there are some similarities between him and the Gallagher patriarch; he’ll also be in the middle of this run when he turns 73 – meaning it’ll be even longer since he last played the Royal Exchange Theatre (RET) in his mid-40s.
As for this version by Dunster – who himself is returning to the RET once again also (for his sixth different stint, no less) his talented cast includes the likes of Isobel Akuwudike, Ed Coleman, Lisa Diveney, Rupert Hill, Johnathan Slinger and more.
It’s also worth noting that Threlfall has featured in a Lear retelling in the past.
Way back in 1983, he played Edgar in the small-screen movie made right here in 0161 by Granada Television, where he acted alongside HUGE names such as John Hurt, Diana Rigg, Robert Lindsay, as well as the late, great TV, movie and all-around acting star, Laurence Olivier.
Born in Crumpsall, raised in Burnage, and made at the REC and various other theatres across the country, this feels like a momentous homecoming for the ever-familiar Manc face.
With shows booked from Friday, 2 October until Sunday, 15 November, and tickets priced at just £12 for standard seats, you can secure yours right HERE. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the only Shakespearean adaptation coming to the region later this year, either…
Featured Images — Channel 4/The Manc Group/Publicity picture via Royal Exchange Theatre)
Theatre
Huge sale on Manchester theatre tickets launches, with shows from £11.70
Daisy Jackson
Theatre ticket prices have been slashed in a huge flash sale in Manchester, with big discounts on some of the world’s most famous shows.
Fans will be able to see iconic musicals, plays, and ballets from as little as £11.70, thanks to the ATG Tickets Summer Saver sale.
The theatre ticket platform’s sale has seen tickets reduced by up to 25% for productions performing at both the Palace Theatre and the Opera House Manchester.
Shows taking part in this year’s summer sale include Matilda The Musical, Annie, Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella, Back to the Future The Musical, and even Magic Mike Live.
Theatre shows included in the flash sale in Manchester include smash-hit musical Jersey Boys, which returns to Palace Theatre this September.
ATG Tickets has lowered prices for the musical, which features the greatest hits of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, to as low as £11.70.
Tickets for Jersey Boys range from £12.08 to £54.45 in the flash sale, with excellent availability at the time of writing.
Also included in the Manchester sale is Trainspotting the Musical, where tickets are as low as £14.99.
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical performs at the Palace Theatre this November.
Burlesque The Musical is included in the theatre tickets saleBack to the Future The Musical in Manchester also has tickets on sale
Next up for Manchester is Burlesque The Musical, which returns to the city for a run of shows at Opera House Manchester next January.
Tickets for Burlesque The Musical, a powerhouse show with songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren, are priced from just £11.70 in the ATG Summer Saver.
And finally, Back To The Future The Musical returns to Manchester in Summer 2027, with a good handful of tickets now available from just £14.89.
The multi award-winning musical – based off the beloved 1985 film of the same name – had its world premiere in Manchester back in 2020 but the run was cut short by Covid. Now it’s heading back out on a UK tour.
You can see all the theatre shows included in the ATG Summer Saver tickets sale HERE.
Dec Kelly -
12th March 2025 
