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WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
One of the most unique performing arts centre in Europe.
An evening at the Wales Millennium Centre is always something to relish, and we have been fortunate enough to attend a number of fantastic performances at the Centre since it was first opened in 2004.
Whether it has been one of the Welsh National Opera’s magnificent performances, excellent West End musicals or Christmas specials, we have yet to have a bad experience and I’m delighted to say that the Musical Production of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was definitely no exception.
Billed as the largest and most extravagant musical production to come to Wales to date, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang had certainly raised our expectations. To say they were exceeded would certainly be an understatement – this magical show delivered on every level and brought to life a much loved classic in thrilling and delightful style.
Judging by their reaction, the entire audience shared our appreciation and we were all drawn directly into the performance in numerous imaginative ways including, watching spellbound as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang took flight towards the audience – absolutely fantastic!! The production couldn’t have been bettered.
Although familiar with Sherman and Sherman’s film production, and having a passing acquaintance with some of the songs – Me Ol’ Bamboo and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang particularly – we had never seen the musical production. Wales’ own Aled Jones, whose performance was superb, led a very strong cast, each of whom brought to life such distinctive characters as the curious hero Caractacus Potts, the lovable Truly Scrumptious, the mysterious Toymaker, the frightening Baron and Baroness Bomburst and not to mention the stuff of nightmares – Child Catcher! What a fantastic mix of characters which brought both joyous laughter and terror in equal measure.
There is a danger in big budget stage productions, where special effects are in abundance (as they certainly are in this production), that the stage acrobatics can detract from the human story and prevent the audience forming emotional attachments to the characters. Not so in this production, however, as the strength of the individual performances and the incredible ability of its director Adrian Noble combined to produce a complex and engaging show which will be difficult to forget.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was an unforgettable night out and wonderful entertainment for all ages – if you haven’t been already - then don your goggles and fly down to Cardiff Bay as soon as possible!
Mark and Tamsin Carey-Lang
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £10 to £39.50.
To book, call 087010 40 2000 or visit www.wmc.org.uk |
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