Kick off Christmas with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Smithdon High

West Norfolk music lovers are in for a treat when Smithdon High School stages its annual musical next week.

This year’s production is the family favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, with over 40 students at the school taking part, both on stage and behind the scenes.

“Students are involved in every aspect of the school shows, from making props, assisting with the light and sound, backstage crew, and front of house,” said Andrea Barnes, who is the Musical Director for the show.

Featuring well-known songs such as ‘Truly Scrumptious’ and, of course, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, the story of the magical, flying car was based on a book by Ian Fleming, and was adapted for screen by children’s author Roald Dahl and director Ken Hughes in 1968.

Stars of the Smithdon show include Ellie Proctor from Year 10 as sweet heiress Truly Scrumptious; Alfie Rix in Year 8 and Lyra Cummings in Year 9 as brother and sister Jeremy and Jemima Potts; and Ethan Guymer, who is in Year 11, as their inventor father Caractacus Potts. Harry Murrell in Year 8 plays Grandad, while Darcie Askew and Geo Anness, both in Year 10, take the roles of The Baron and Baroness, respectively.

“One of the highlights is definitely when Chitty is revealed with her wings, and they are all flying over the countryside to Vulgaria,” continued Mrs Barnes. “We definitely had to find ways to get creative in the school hall.

“There are also so many classic songs in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Junior that people know and love that are definitely a highlight, like ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘Me Old Bamboo’, and ‘Teamwork’.”

Staff involved in the production include Drama Teachers Vicky Proctor and Kayleigh Brown; Head of Art Laura Ruskin; Head of Design Technology Alex Birks; Head of Science Claire Pike; and Peripatetic Vocal Music Teacher Becky Harrington; along with former student Ellie Patterson, who is studying fashion at university and helped with costumes.

Around 150 people are expected to attend on each of the evenings, with tickets available on the door for £6, via card payment.

“Smithdon’s annual production is a time of great joy,” added Amanda Gibbins, Headteacher at the school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. “The students adore getting involved, and the community love seeing them in a different light, as many of our young people come out of their shells and shine.

“Year on year, the productions have got bigger and better, and this year’s production is no different. I am so proud of all our performers, and of the staff who make these productions possible, from the Performing Arts team to the staff who support backstage and with costumes, set design, and to those who simply encourage the children to take up the opportunities.”

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes place at Smithdon High School from 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December.