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 sitcom Dinnerladies to return after 25 years with new stage show in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved sitcoms of all time is set to return after 25 years, but this time it’s coming to the stage in Manchester.
More than a quarter of a century after it was first screened on BBC One, a brand-new stage adaptation of Dinnerladies is planned for 2027, and it’ll feature a storyline inspired by the episodes and characters from the iconic original TV sitcom.
Making its premiere at Manchester Opera House in January, the new show is the first piece of the late Victoria Wood’s work to be commissioned by her Estate.
Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, and directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley, after debuting here Manchester, the production will then tour major theatres across the UK until August – with star Les Dennis as maintenance man Stan, and further casting to be announced soon.
Originally created, written by, and starring Bury comedy legend Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience thanks to its warmth, wit, and brilliantly observed characters.
Dinnerladies is returning after 25 years with a new stage show in Manchester / Credit: BBC
Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory, HWD Components, the show followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.
Now, audiences will be reunited with the dinnerladies once again, as all the much-loved characters that made the show such a huge British comedy classic will feature in the play – including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, and Philippa.
No matter whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, the new Dinnerladies show is set to serve up a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises.
Dinnerladies will take to the stage at Manchester Opera House on 29 January 2027 and run right through to 6 February 2027 – with tickets going on sale this Friday (3 July).
Manchester City Council green-light new venue at Medlock Square, with Mamma Mia! The Party to open the immersive space
Danny Jones
The smash-hit ‘Mamma Mia: The Party’ is set to land in Manchester next year as the maiden event of another brand-new space set to open as part of the upcoming Medlock Square development.
Etihad Campus has seen a lot of moving pieces over the past few years, be it the building of Co-op Live, the ongoing expansion of Man City’s home ground, the soon-to-launch hotel attached to the stadium and now Medlock.
But those in control of the land are content with stopping there; this looks to be just the start of a whole new evolution for the East Manchester area, with an as yet untitled new immersive arts, experience and events venue also set to join the new slate of projects.
You see another glimpse of the purpose-built mini arena, of sorts, down below.
With plans having now been approved by the City Council, the ‘immersive’ space will be situated between the Etihad, Co-op Live and Medlock Square itself, holding up to 600 guests per performance.
Currently set to open in late 2027, following the rest of the square’s launch window being fully rolled out, we still don’t know the name of this next addition, but the structure itself will dovetail with the surrounding buildings and areas as part of seasonal activations, live shows and sports screenings, as well as pop-ups, brand collaborations and more.
Looping back, the interactive, multimedia extravaganza that is ‘Mamma Mia! The Party’ will finally be making its Manc debut as part of the 10th anniversary of the all-singing, all-dancing and even all-dining in-demand production.
As per an official press release from the Medlock Square media team, the show will combine “live music, theatre, food and storytelling” and “offer visitors an unforgettable night out.”
The original UK production at The O2 in London has now surpassed more than 1,500 performances, with a total of 700k guests attending these shows in 110 countries across the globe. Safe to say it’s rather popular.
As for Medlock Square and the surrounding Etihad Campus, Manchester City supporters have also been given another look at the soon-to-open, immersive hotel tie-in experience.
With a skywalk, rooftop bar, a new MCFC shop and various other bits set to spill out onto Medlock Square, it all feels like a period of wholesale changes over in the blue half of the city – especially with the football club bidding farewell to their manager Pep Guardiola after more than a decade.
Following the new and improved North Stand being named after him in the first of many tributes, the City Football Group (CFG) are also set to commission a statue in his honour over the coming months.
Meanwhile, Medlock Square is also due to open later this year, although an official completion date has not been confirmed.
You can stay up to date with all the latest on Mamma Mia! The Part’s Manchester shows right HERE.
Not forgetting a brand-new women’s football facility, too, there is so much stuff going on over at the Etihad that it can be hard to keep track, but here’s the latest look at some of the rooms set to feature in the hotel of the same name.
Dec Kelly -
12th March 2025 
