PODS present Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Expect a wonderland of magic flying cars, rip-roaring dance numbers and feel-good family fun as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies into The Cresset this 22-26 October
When The Cresset offer to knock down an entire wall to squeeze a magnificent flying car through the door and onto the stage, you know something special is on its way… This October, Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society are attempting their most ambitious show to date as they bring all the charm and enchantment of the much-loved family musical favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, into Peterborough. And they’ve got plenty of tricks up their sleeves. “With such an iconic show, a big thing people remember from the film and want to see onstage is the car with its all its amazing powers and we fully intend to leave everyone open-mouthed about how we make such an impressive car drive, float and then defy gravity and fly onstage,” says Robert Bristow, director and choreographer of the show. “It really will be one of those seen to be believed moments which requires hours of technical hard-work and precision plus a fair bit of luck and a sprinkle of magic on the day.”
The car that PODS will use – which is a to-scale replica of the original vehicle itself created by a real Chitty enthusiast – has actually already had a glimpse of Peterborough when it paid a visit in the summer for a special launch day and toured Serpentine Green, Cathedral Square and even took a spin in the Cathedral grounds. Crowds turned out to cheer her on and have a photograph and when she returns this October, Chitty can expect no less a rousing reception with bookings for the show already filling up fast. But of course it’s not just the cars that make this musical so well-loved and PODS’ show is going to be packed with all the memorable songs written by the Sherman Brothers for the film, from the lullaby-like Hushabye Mountain to the get-on-your-feet Me Ol’ Bamboo.
This is all brought to life by a cast of nearly 50 – or more if you count the half a dozen skilful local dogs they’ve hand-selected to go tearing after a toot sweet or two onstage – or so they hope they will on the night! Among the non-canine cast, at least a dozen are talented local children who play the Potts’ children Jeremy and Jemima as well as the ensemble children of Vulgaria. Promises to be a ‘truly scrumptious’ way for the whole family to pass the October half term holidays.
● Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs October 22-26 at The Cresset, 7. 30pm with a Thursday and Saturday matinee.
● To book call 01733 26570 or visit www.cresset.co.uk
● You can also find out more about PODS on www.facebook.com/PODS190128