A THEATRE company is performing a show that requires them to somehow get a flying vintage car on stage.
Berserk Productions are performing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr, with a cast of around 20 young people aged seven to 17.
“It’s lovely having such a wide age range,”says choreographer Hollie Alexander.
“The older cast members mentor younger ones, some of whom are taking part in their first show with us.”
The stage play remains faithful to the original 1968 film which starred Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes and Lionel Jeffries, along with Benny Hill as the toymaker.
The story is eccentrically magical:
Dotty inventor Caractacus Potts, his two children, and his beautiful friend, Truly Scrumptious, go for a picnic on the beach.
There they are drawn into a magical world of castles, pirates, where a car called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, can fly.
A journey to Vulgaria introduces them to the evil Baron Bomburst and his child-hating wife.
They kidnap the professor’s children and steal the car, but the kind village toymaker helps Potts and Scrumptious to plan an elaborate rescue.
A car, of course, usually plays a starring role in this show.
The company have managed to get hold of a rather special one.
“We had lots of trouble finding it,” says Hollie.
The artistic director spent hours online looking, and hours in the theatre as well, measuring the dimensions of the stage with a tape measure, to see what kind of vehicle would fit.
“In the end we put out a casting call for our final starring cast member, and the car appeared, a perfect size and type for this production, so we’re delighted.”
The car is possibly quite a diva, will no doubt enjoy much attention, and has already appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.
“We think audiences will love it, and will want to take pictures of it,” continues Hollie.
“The children are very excited to welcome it, and actually, some of them don’t realise yet that it can’t fly.”
Until the vintage vehicle actually arrives on stage the cast are rehearsing with tape on the floor to indicate its dimensions.
The production is keeping to the style and genre of the film, with early 1900s costumes transporting the child actors back in time.
“Just now we’re having to imagine everything, but we have a great team of people working on the set, atmospheric lighting, costumes and graphics, “ adds Hollie.
“There are plenty of well known songs in the show, and they’ll be performed along with some intricate dance numbers.
“They’re great fun, one in particular is called Me Ole Bam-boo, and involves lots of bamboo sticks.”
As if having a vintage car on stage wasn’t enough attraction for the show, Berzerk Productions have also managed to engage the services of a performing dog.
“Simba is probably the most popular member of the cast,” laughs Hollie.
“He belongs to a member of the cast’s mum, and he can play the piano.
“He does some fun tricks in the show, and even dances.”
To see a show with a cast of young hopefuls, a flying car and a dog that dances and can play the keys, audiences should make their way to Woodley.
Berzerk Production’s show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr, takes place at The Oakwood Centre.
Performances are on Thursday, December 15 through to Sunday, December 18.
Shows on Thursday and Friday are at 7pm, with performances on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and at 5pm.
Tickets cost £14.75, concessions are £12.75, and a family ticket (four seats) costs £48.
Audience members will be able to take photos of the car at the event.
For information and to purchase tickets visit: www.berzerkproductions.com or look for the group’s page on Facebook.
