TELL ME ABOUT ... Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Drama teacher and director Terri Lieber tells us about Skibbereen Community School’s TY students’ adaptation of a classic tale

Why did you choose Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? 

We did a modern musical last year and we wanted to do a classic this year with gorgeous sets and costumes.  It is also a musical lots of our students had not seen and we felt a revival was in order. 

Cast and crew of Skibbereen Community School’s Transition Year production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which is running at the school on February 29th, March 1st, and 2nd. (Photos: Anne Minihane)

Who are the performers? 

This is our annual TY performance and the largest amount of students ever are involved, on stage, back stage and in the art and music departments. The main characters in the show are Danius Vaitiekus as Caractacus Potts, Grace O’Connell as Truly Scrumptious, Natasha Hurley as Jeremy Potts, Niamh O’Driscoll as Jemima Pots, Nora O’Driscoll as Jenny Potts, Ella O’Driscoll as Julie Potts and Shane O’Mahony as Grandpa Potts. 

It must be a lot of work?

It requires all-school cooperation but the main movers and shakers are: Colette Brennan: musical director, Olivia Hoskins, art director, myself drama director, Conor Uhl, TY coordinator.  

The Potts family: Shane O’Mahony, Dainius Vaitiekus, Niamh O’Driscoll, Nora O’Driscoll, Ella O’Driscoll and Grace O’Connell, taking off in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Who is it aimed at? 

This is pure family entertainment. Music, colour, adventure and fun. We have put on a TY production every year since the school opened. We even managed to make a film of Mean Girlz during Covid. We have performed everything from Westside Story to Aladdin and everything in between. Last year’s group even came fourth in the All-Ireland TY Musical Competition with Hi School Musical. Due to other TY commitments we were unable to enter this year but audiences can be sure of an equally fabulous performance from this year’s TY group despite that.

Where can I get tickets? 

Tickets can be purchased from Cathal O’Donovan’s in Skibbereen or from the school itself. Tickets are going fast so be sure to secure a seat in plenty of time.

It is always such an uplifting and inspiring show to see and gives us all a much needed reminder of the great things our young people can achieve.