Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is on its way

An official announcement for the Australian premiere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can be expected in the next few weeks, according to producer Tim Lawson.

An article published in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Spectrum (Saturday 21 April) indicated that the show was confirmed for the Capitol Theatre later this year, but Lawson told AussieTheatre.com this morning that the information was “not totally correct”, without elaborating.

No official announcement about the show’s creative team has been made at this stage, but it is understood that a director and musical director have been secured for the production.

Lawson’s production company TML Enterprises will also present A Chorus Line at the Capitol Theatre in July this year, following short-yet-successful successful seasons in Adelaide and Melbourne. The show is currently transferring to Singapore for a limited season at Marina Bay Sands from May 4.

If Lawson’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang follows the pattern of TML’s other shows (including A Chorus Line, Fiddler on the Roof and Buddy!) it can be assumed there will be an Australian tour to follow. Lawson’s limited-season touring schedule seems to be working in his favour, with A Chorus Line recouping all overheads prior to opening night in Melbourne.

All will be revealed in just a few weeks, but for now, here is a short trailer of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to get you in the mood!

Show Information:

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the musical features a book by Jeremy Sams, with music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, the pair who were responsible for the music in the original motion picture. They penned 6 new songs for the stage production, which also features a host of music from the original film including the Academy Award nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The show originally opened in London in 2002 where it was nominated for 2 Olivier Awards. It ran for over three and a half years and took more than £70 million at the box office.

Conversely, the show opened on Broadway in 2005, closing that year after lacklustre box office performance. It was however rewarded critically with 5 Tony Award Nominations.