ELAINE C. Smith is the first to admit that even she used to be a little bit scared by her latest role.

“I was about 10 when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang came out and I loved the music but I did find it quite terrifying,” the actress told The National.

Known for her comedic turns in the likes of Rab C. Nesbitt and Two Doors Down, Smith (below) has now taken on the role of the Child Catcher in the latest version of the classic book and film.

The National:

Looking back, she says that although counting herself as a fan of the original, she distinctly remembers it appealing more to boys than girls.

“I’ve noticed in audiences coming that a lot of men really enjoy it and saying it was their favourite film but that’s not to stereotype.

“I was more about Doris Day and Calamity Jane.”

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The latest production is playing a number of dates across various cities in Scotland, including Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness with tickets available HERE with Smith taking part in the Scottish dates rather than the entire tour.

Reflecting on her new role, Smith says she was excited to have the chance to play and out-and-out villain after so long in comedy.

“I had done it before when I was Miss Hannigan in Annie and it was great to play a baddie,” she says.

“I had taken my own kids to see it when Paul O’Grady played the role. It’s a weird thing because even in panto when I’ve been a wicked queen, the audience sometimes don’t know whether to clap or cheer.”

The National: The classic flying car. Image: Paul Coltas

She added: “In a career, you want a bit of variety, it’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed clear of soap. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with that.

“But you can get stuck as an actor. You want challenges and different things to do.”

What about the pressure of taking on such an iconic role though? The film is beloved by so many with Australian actor Robert Helpmann putting in a memorable turn as the character in the 1968 film.

While some actors might be wary of taking inspiration from previous takes on the role for fear of feeling pressure, Smith went in the opposite direction.

“Yes, I watched it back. It was dark and that brilliant actor played it in the film really creepy and quite terrifying.

“Loads of people say it frightened them as kids but you also remember the lighter stuff, all about the flying car and the relationship with his dad and kids.

“It’s interesting now researching it because the book was written by Ian Fleming but Roald Dahl had a lot to do with the screenplay which accounts for the darkness in it.”

The National: Elaine C Smith as the Child Catcher. Image: Danny Kaan

In spite of that darkness though, the story clearly has an enduring appeal and Smith points to one moment in particular that stands out.

“When the car flies,” Smith says.

“I got quite tearful because I was watching a production of it and the orchestra started playing and the audience was clapping along.”

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That joy is something the actress believes audiences have been particularly keen on following the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Having not been able to gather, people want a bit of joy and laughter and all those things. Just that bit of familiarity.

“There’s so many lovely moments throughout but you really can’t top that car flying on stage.

“It’s just nostalgia. With a cost of living crisis as well, theatre tickets are so expensive so if you’re going to take your family to something you want to be sure of what you’re getting.”