How on earth do I begin to write a review of this show? I could write using every superlative under the sun, and be done in one paragraph, yes, that’s how good it was.

I had gone to the Cliffs Pavilion hoping this would be an exceptional reimagining of the wonderful film and I was not disappointed. I have lost count of how many times I have seen the screen version, it was a family favourite back in the day and it is hard to believe it was first released in 1968, Roald Dahl being one of the screenwriters. Why has there never been a remake I ask myself?

Anyone who has read my previous show/play reviews will know that I have difficulty making the transition from film to stage musical and even more do I struggle to appreciate a lot of what passes for comedy these days. However, I found myself chuckling throughout and thoroughly enjoying the ‘funny bits’ alongside the more serious story telling. But how can I call any part of it serious when the story itself is a children’s fantasy based on the book by Ian Fleming, famous as the author of so many James Bond adventures, after many incarnations still going strong today and based, so they say, on Fleming’s own exploits during World War two.

Forgive me for repeating another well known fact in that Fleming was a cousin of Christopher Lee who played Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun. I found this to be a rather tenuous connection as it was through their Great Grandmother.

I digress. The world premier of this stage musical was in April 2002 but this was my first opportunity to see it. I have to get back to the comedy but before I do I must stress that every person on stage played their parts to perfection. The children, Jeremy and Jemima were adorable and excelled in their ability to sing, dance and act their way throughout, especially considering their roles required them to be on stage for much of the time. The adult actors were also stunning in their roles but I really have to be honest and say that the two comedy duos were the best I have seen on stage. The Baron and Baroness and the two spies of Vulgaria were outstanding. My loud laughter was spontaneous, but luckily did not rise in volume above that of the audience en masse. Did one duo best the other? No, they were both spot on. Timing, speed of delivery, clarity and the odd inclusion of the audience by look or gesture was hysterical. The naughty bits between the Baron and his wife struck just the right note and I am sure, went over the heads of the children in the audience. Often exaggerated comedy can fall flat but in this instance was absolute genius.

I am loathe to mention my one tiny disappointment as many will think it trivial but I ‘Truly’ missed seeing our leading lady in a ‘Scrumptious’ costume as seen in the film. White Palazzo pants just didn’t do it for me, especially for the era in which it is set. I guess it was for ease of movement while navigating the on stage obstacles. That said, the whole show was a feast for the eyes and the other costumes were magnificent, especially in the Brazilian dance scene. I don’t remember that in the film?

I haven’t mentioned Chitty, but then it was a non speaking role and not much acting was required, the old banger is getting on a bit now but was still the star of the show.

This was truly a great night out and I am now determined to source the film version to watch over Christmas, it will make a delightful change from The Sound of Music. Catch it if you can but keep an eye on your children while The Vivienne is in town!

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