Making musical theatre since 1927, Bilston Operatic Company are an amateur ensemble who strive to produce performances to a professional standard. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is yet another example of them doing just that.

Taking on the enormity of a West End hit (complete with a flying car!) on an amateur budget is no mean feat, but with a highly skilled and energetic cast performing alongside strong leading actors - and complemented by a cleverly crafted set and staging, fabulous Edwardian-style costumes and lively choreography - the company have once again created a polished and professional production which is an absolute joy to watch.

The show is true to the classic 1968 film of the same name, which was based on a children’s book written by James Bond author Ian Fleming. Eccentric and unconventional widowed inventor Caractacus Potts (Alec White) sets about restoring an old racing car from a scrap merchant with the help of his two children, Jeremy (Oliver Rudge) and Jemima (Lara Maguire). They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float on water and fly. 

But trouble looms. The evil Baron Bomburst (Jon Ranwell) from the European country (fictional, of course) of Vulgaria wants the car for himself. Caractacus, Jeremy and Jemima join forces with sweet but fiery heroine Truly Scrumptious (Issy Checketts) and quirky but lovable Grandpa Potts to outwit the snivelling yet dastardly Baron and his equally unpleasant and sneering wife (Stacey Lovett), who, with the help of their creepy and menacing henchman, The Child Catcher (Nicholas Sullivan), have banished all children from Vulgaria.

The Sherman Brothers’ memorable score, including Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song, feature among the show's best-known musical numbers. There are fabulous vocals from the lead characters - including Jeremy and Jemima - who are supported by an equally strong and talented ensemble, and all brilliantly accompanied by the Midlands Concert Orchestra.

Special mention must go to Boris (Olly Derham) and Goran (Ben Evans), the two Vulgarian spies, whose antics and great comic timing provide lots of laugh-out-loud moments.

Undeterred by the challenges posed by a flying car, Bilston Operatic Company deliver an ambitious and utterly charming production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. They were rewarded on the opening night with rapturous applause from a very appreciative audience, many of whom took to their feet for the final reprise of the title number. 

5 stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Wednesday 8 November. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang continues to show at the theatre until Saturday 11 November.