 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
A musical based on the MGM/United Artists film. Music and
lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Adapted
for the stage by Jeremy Sands.
London Palladium - 16 April 2002
Synopsis
ACT ONE
As the lights dim in the auditorium the Overture begins after which
the blue sky and white clouds melt to reveal the crowds cheering
the Monaco Grand Prix of 1909. As the crowds disperse
after the horrendous crash, years later our former champion car
is revealed on a junk pile being driven by Jeremy and Jemima
Potts who want to save the Paragon Panther from being melted
down for scrap. Mr Coggins promises the car is theirs if their
father can raise forty shillings in two days time. After meeting
Jeremy and Jemima, Truly Scrumptious takes the two children home
in her motorcycle and side car to the windmill in which the Potts
family reside among the various failed inventions. Caractacus
Potts, the inventor, tells his children how important they are
to him. The children explain they need forty shillings
to save their old car. Grandpa Potts tells his son he will invent
something that will work ... one day and then discovers
the sweets he has just made have a unique quality.
Caractacus and the children request an audience with Lord Scrumptious
at the Scrumptious Sweet Factory. After meeting Truly Scrumptious
again ... she gets Caractacus the vital break he needs .... an introduction.
However, the piercing whistles from the toot sweets attracts dogs
from around the area which break into the factory and cause havoc.
Meanwhile Boris and Goran, the two spies working for the Baron and
Baroness of Vulgaria, determined to steal the secret mechanism rumoured
to be responsible for the success of the Paragon Panther racing car...
watch over the Potts family ... knowing the children want the car
for themselves. They discuss how to blend into English Society so
as not to stand out in a crowd.
It is night time and Caractacus assures Jeremy
and Jemima he will find a way to get forty shillings to save their
car from being destroyed. He sings the children to sleep. The children
fall asleep floating off into a land of dreams
as Caractacus leaves the mill with his hair cutting machine to join
the fun fair which has just arrived in town. It is not a success
and in order to avoid a physical confrontation with a dissatisfied
customer... now bald, he hides himself as a performer amongst the
local Morris dancers. The local turkey farmer
pays Caractacus for his machine as he sees other uses for the invention.
Having now purchased the wreck, Caractacus
works around the clock whilst the children and Grandpa busy themselves
with the housework.
The day of reckoning arrives and the new car, sparkling and gleaming
is revealed to all. They decide to go on a picnic with Truly so "the
family" jump into the newly named CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
and drive to the beach.
The children comment on how delighted they
are with their new friend and at the end of a day in which bonds
are made and romance begins to blossom, they all head off back
home but discover they are trapped by the incoming tide.
Baron Bomburst's warship descends upon Chitty ready to capture
her and take her back to Vulgaria, but again the car surprises
everyone with its ability to transform into a floating car!
By mistake the Baron's airship captures Grandpa
Potts to take him to Vulgaria thinking he is the famous inventor
capable of creating magical cars. However Chitty makes chase unfortunately
driving over Beachy Head only to reveal another hidden asset saving
Caractacus and family once again. They head towards Vulgaria to
rescue Grandpa.
ACT TWO
It is the Vulgarian Town Square where the townspeople along with
the Baron and Baroness welcome the arrival of Mr Potts, the
inventor - or so they think. Grandpa is
somewhat confused but soon realises he is in a place that does not
tolerate children nor failure. To test his knowledge of inventions
the Baron insists Grandpa Potts makes the Royal Car a magical one
with the help of the local inventors. Chitty
flies overhead just before the Baron attempts to have Grandpa shot
and a welcoming party is sent to find the car and its passengers.
Caractacus, Truly, Jeremy and Jemima befriend the Toymaker who warns
them children are forbidden in Vulgaria ... they have all been captured
by the Childcatcher who patrols the streets.
The Toymaker hides the family in his toy shop in which he is building
the toys for the Baron's birthday. The Childcatcher however tricks
Jeremy and Jemima and captures them whilst Caractacus and the Toymaker
visit the Vulgarian children that have been saved and hidden away
from the evil henchman.
Under the town, in the sewers, Caractacus meets the pathetic creatures,
hungry and cold. He is interrupted by Truly who has climbed down
into the sewers to tell everyone of Jeremy and Jemima's impending
fate. They all decide to band together to save the day
and together hatch a plan.
The Baron and Baroness get ready for the birthday party swiftly
followed by Bombie's birthday surprise. After
infiltrating the party Caractacus and Truly disguised as dolls lead
the attack on the Palace guards. After finding Jeremy, Jemima and
Grandpa with the help of Chitty, the family
fly off into the night with Vulgaria a happier place without the
forces of evil ruling over the people and everyone
lives happily ever after!
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