Chitty to Land in Sydney at the Capitol

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the stage musical based on the MGM Motion Picture, flies into Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from 16 November. A Melbourne season follows at Her Majesty's Theatre from January 30, 2013.

Cast now announced.

‘You’ll believe a car can fly,’ the media release assures us, in this stage adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with a score that features “Truly Scrumptious,” “Toot Sweets,” “Hushabye Mountain” and the movie’s Oscar nominated title song “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.

Based on the novel by Ian Fleming, author/creator of the James Bond franchise, the production features music and lyrics by the Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins with original script and fresh adaptation directed by Ray Roderick.

Originally written by Ian Fleming for his son, the much loved 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang staring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes was part of many a childhood.

The movie began life as a personal dream of James Bond producer, Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli.

As with all his film projects, “Cubby” Broccoli surrounded himself with the very best British talent available to ensure the success of Chitty, which at the time was publicised as the largest and most expensive musical ever filmed in England. The director, Ken Hughes, who had also adapted the screenplay with prolific children’s author Roald Dahl, led the British film crew.

The Sherman brothers, fresh from major success with the Disney Studios, provided the score and songs, earning an Oscar nomination in the process.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang opened at the London Palladium on Tuesday 16 April 2002. The London production was nominated for 3 Laurence Olivier Awards in 2003, including Best New Musical, and won Best Musical at the Variety Club Awards in 2003.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang broke every box office record and continues as the longest running musical ever to play at the London Palladium beating Oliver! and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. During its three and a half year run, the family musical exceeded £70 million in box office revenue.

The Chitty stage car holds the Guinness World Record for being the most expensive prop in the history of British Theatre.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is produced by Tim Lawson in Australia, and will be directed in by Roger Hodgman, featuring sets and costumes by English designer Anthony Ward.

www.chittychitty.com.au

Sydney season.

Venue: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket

Season: from 16 November 2012

Performances: Tue at 7pm, Wed to Sat at 8pm,

Matinees Wed at 1pm, Sat at 2pm & Sun at 3pm

Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 723 038 or ticketmaster.com.au

Melbourne season

Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Season: from 30 January 2013

Bookings: Ticketek 1300 795 012