Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Musical Tour in London
By: FSWL team
Published:
2009-07-03
Based on the storybooks by Ian Fleming and the United Artists film of 1968, the stage musical began as a dream of the late Dana Broccoli, wife to the James Bond producer Albert R Broccoli.
Not until 2002 did producers (including current Bond producers
Michael G Wilson and
Barbara Broccoli) have confidence that the technology existed to fly a tonne and half of machinery with actors inside. It opened at the London Palladium to rave reviews on Tuesday 16th April 2002.
After four magical years at the London Palladium (it became longest running show in the history of the theatre, beating Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Oliver and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) and three sensational years touring large scale venues all over the UK Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is back.
This box office smash hit has been re-vamped, updated and technologically advanced in order to bring it to your doorstep. Produced by Michael Rose Ltd, directed by Adrian Noble and with a cast and crew of over 100 (including 10 dogs), sensational sets, a full orchestra and stunning special effects this feel good family favourite will be a sure fire way to beat the blues.
Nominated for three Olivier Awards, winning Best Musical at the 2002 Variety Awards, nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway, winning the coveted 2006 Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best Family Show and holding the Guinness World Record for the most expensive stage prop Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience for the whole family to enjoy. There has never been a better show and a better time to cheer up your family!
About The Show
Based on the book by
Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, written for his son, the much loved 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang starring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes was part of everyone’s childhood. A sensational score by the renowned Sherman Brothers included such unforgettable songs as Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, and, of course, its Oscar-nominated title song "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". The fantastic adventures of this out-of-the-ordinary car that flies through the air and sails the seas, are reaching a new generation through an enthralling and enchanting stage musical which burst onto the world famous London Palladium stage in 2002.
Chitty is directed by Adrian Noble, the former Artistic Director of the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, with choreography by David Morgan (Sophisticated Ladies, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Singing in the Rain, Me and My Girl and High Society). The sensational sets and stunning special effects are designed by the award-winning designer Anthony Ward (Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady).
Chitty Facts
• Howard Eaton Lighting built the car the cast sit in and Delstar Engineering and Stage Technologies built the parts for the engineering that makes it fly.
• 750,000 GBP is the cost of the car.
• Exact weight of the car and the parts is unknown but is estimted to be tons and tons.
• The car is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most expensive stage prop ever.
• It took two companies and from planning to first performance the new mechanisms for the car took 9 months.
• The tour has cost 3 million pounds to stage.
• It takes 12 x 45ft trucks to move the show in the UK.
• 500,000 GBP worth of costumes on the show.
• It takes 100 people to move the show and set up ready for the new venue.
• 30 actors/dancers/singers, 46 children, 14 musicians, 30 technicians and 11 dogs and one flying car required to operate each performance.
More information about the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical on the official website:
www.chittythemusical.co.uk
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