Darnall Musical Theatre Company’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – 9 July 2026, Darnall Education Centre
Review by Claire Taranaski.
As a delightfully innocent family film musical that was a regularly part of my childhood it feels right that Darnall Musical Theatre Company’s production is a child-led equally delightful production and a lovely way to introduce my six year old to the musical.
The star of the show, who is a natural on stage and could bring the character of Caractacus Potts to life in any production was Charlie Betts. Possessing the winning combination of vocals, acting, stage presence, charm, warmth and natural chemistry with his on stage family and Truly Scrumptious he was stand out from start to finish with his moving rendition of “Hushabye Mountain” almost bringing a tear to my eye. The love and bond between him and his children Jeremy and Jemina (she was my daughter’s favourite character in the whole show), played by Molly Braud and Tilly Betts) felt incredible real and as his children they sweetly captured the innocence and joy of childhood.
Truly Scrumptious (played on the opening night by Malya Green who is sharing the role with Annabelle Taylor) sharing the same natural chemistry with Charlie, Molly and Tilly, at it’s very best and her vocal best during the end of Act One’s “Truly Scrumptious”. I must also praise Malya for getting the choreography spot on during “Dolly On A Music Box” bringing Sally Ann Howe’s original film version of the number to life.
Dylan Bowman as Grandpa Potts, gave a delightfully joyful performance way beyond his years, making me think of David Bellamy, and had warm stage presence and chemistry with his co-stars, especially Molly and Tilly in “Posh”; Emily McDonald and Megan Green as Bulgarian spies Boris and Boran, captured the accents and stereotypical hapless spies perfectly and made a brilliant double act and Millie Warhurst as the Toy Maker brought a warmth, caring and support to the role.
The show does not have an entirely youth cast and it would possibly be inappropriate for the Baron and Baroness Bomburst, brilliantly performed by Jack Taylor (who is also the show’s producer) and Charlotte Hunt, to be played by child actors. Like the rest of the cast and ensemble these two looked like they were thoroughly enjoying every minute of being on stage and the fun connection and comfortableness between them shone through, at it’s best during “Chu-Chi Face”, whilst keeping the number more family friendly than other productions.
Director and musical director Janet Black got the very best out of a large cast on a small stage, bringing the story to life and having fans smiling from the opening bars of the encore. Sarah Kitchen’s choreography was a great excuse to give the company samba lessons but was at it’s best during “Me Ol Bamboo”, which would be hard to distinguish from the original version. Praise again for Charlie during this number as it’s harder than it looks to have to appear to pick up a routine as you go along.
Although I must praise Sarah Betts for the multiple in-keeping costumes my biggest cheer for back stage must for Lauren Hull in props. My daughter wants to get her dad the sausage invention and the backdrop for the Bulgarian war room is a lovely nod to the Dad’s Army credits but of course the car itself is the star of the show itself. I came into the production worried that I might have sold the concept of the car too much to my daughter but I needn’t have worried as it does actually grow wings and lift into the air, keeping the magic of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang alive.
This production should not be missed by fans of the Ian Fleming story who want to support Sheffield’s young musical theatre talent. Just remember to take a fan and enjoy an ice cream during the interval.
