Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe productions. She is now eager to explore the culture on offer in and around her home town. You can contact Lauren on laurencrispwriter@gmail.com
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a family classic that surely needs no introduction, and Tuesday’s performance by the Harrogate Operatic Players (HOPS) overflowed with all the joy, humour and whimsy you’d expect.
Opening night brought with it some inevitable nerves, but after a few initial hiccoughs, all handled toot sweet and with consummate professionalism (including by the youngest members of the cast), the show went on, proving itself a well-oiled machine.
Always set to be challenging – a flying car alone would have any director scratching their head – the HOPS team were undeterred, delivering suitable magic to their set and staging. Costume, too, was a highlight, the outfit changes seemingly infinite, from white petticoats to regal regalia to samba ruffles. Performing a host of lively choreographed numbers, the cast, chorus and band dazzled with energy.
The stage adaptation is not the 1968 film reincarnate: it has all the classics we know and love, and then some, with a few extra surprises and catchy new numbers to boot. The script does not shy away from the more wicked humour of the film. Indeed, refreshingly, it might just be even more risqué, particularly with the help of two hilarious duos: Rohan Green and Rob Hastings as the court spies, and Chris Cowling and Georgie Gladwyn as the tyrannical Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria.
As for the more sinister threads of the tale? Jack Moran’s Child Catcher is a spine-tingling caricature, sniffing out his innocent prey with zeal and revelling in his role. Stealing a glance at some of the young children around me, they appeared somewhere between captivated and terrified; indeed, I overheard one nervously ask his mother, ‘Can he smell me?’.
Kate Griffiths deserves special mention as Truly Scrumptious, capturing the essence of the sweet but fiery heroine. Lucas MacLeod and Eva Lofthouse played siblings Jeremy and Jemima, and I think it would be fair to say, are probably the hardest-working children in Harrogate this week.
A production filled with charm and heart, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is so suited to the joys of local community theatre, with a huge cast and crew dedicated to putting on their very best show. This is what it’s all about: theatre that makes you smile, at whatever age; that has you humming as you leave, with a skip in your step.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at the Harrogate Theatre from today (June 14) every day until Saturday, June 17. For more information and to book tickets, visit the theatre website here.
Read more:
- Review: My first experience of Salon North in Harrogate
- Knaresborough’s Conyngham Hall to hold outdoor Pink Floyd classical concert
Harrogate theatre roof repairs could be finished this month
The longstanding roof repairs at Harrogate Theatre could be finished this month, it was announced today after another performance was cancelled due to a leak at the weekend.
The final performance of Kinky Boots, by Harrogate Operatic Players, was cancelled at late notice on Saturday night after a backstage leak raised concerns about the electrics.
The decision, taken on safety grounds after a day of heavy rain, disappointed both performers and audience alike.
Some audience members had already taken their seats so the cast chose to perform a few numbers from the award-winning musical with just the house lights on.
Work to replace the roof has been taking place since May.
It is not the first time a performance has been cancelled due to a leak since the roof repairs began. The recent pantomime season was also affected.
Read more:
- Robot polar bear and 18m whale set to tour Harrogate district
- Pianist Stephen Hough to return to Harrogate next month
Work to replace the 121-year old Victorian theatre roof began in May. It was due to finish in September but this was put back to March.
David Bown, chief executive of the theatre, said today it could be finished this month if there are no further incidents. He said:
Leak at Harrogate Theatre causes last minute cancellation of Kinky Boots“The last time I spoke to the contractors they were ahead of schedule, it could even be the end of this month. The area that was leaking was backstage and that has been repaired.
We’d only cancel a show if absolutely necessary but the safety of everyone in the theatre had to take priority.”
Harrogate Theatre cancelled a performance of Kinky Boots at late notice last night due to another leak at the venue.
Harrogate Operatic Players was due to give its final performance of the musical, which has won six Tony Awards.
The show has taken place nightly in the town since Tuesday and had a matinee and evening performance lined up yesterday.
But the theatre cancelled the evening event at late notice, disappointing theatre goers, after a day of heavy rain.
The cast did come out to perform the finale to a standing ovation.
Harrogate Operatic Players posted on its Facebook page:
“The whole cast and crew are absolutely devastated, especially when their family and friends have travelled near and far to come see this show.“We sincerely apologise to our audience this evening for this inconvenience, we know how much you were looking forward to see us in action.“For those who came tonight and gave us a standing ovation just for singing the finale number to you, thank you so much for your positive reaction, seeing you all up on your feet and dancing made us feel like we had 100% support behind us.”
Second recent leak
The theatre said on social media a leak on stage had made the venue unsafe and apologised to customers.
“Unfortunately an onstage leak has made it unsafe to continue despite the company and the theatre’s best efforts.”
We’d like to extend our apologies to the audience, cast and crew of Kinky Boots for the late cancellation of the performance this evening. We know the huge effort, dedication and passion that goes into community performances and decisions to cancel are not taken lightly.
1/2
— Harrogate Theatre (@HGtheatre) February 5, 2022
It isn’t the first time the Victorian theatre, which is undergoing roof repairs, has called off a show due to a leak.
The recent pantomime season was also affected.
Work to replace the 121-year old theatre roof has been taking place since May. It was due to finish in September but this was put back to March.
Comments on the theatre’s Facebook page included:
“So gutted but also sad for the cast, safety comes first. You could tell they were devastated.”
And:
“I really feel for everyone involved as I know how much the last night is looked forward to and enjoyed by all.”