CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG Directed by Roger Hodgman Opens in Sydney November 16

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, adapted for the stage from the MGM Motion Picture by Jeremy Sams and Ray Broderick with music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman will open at Sydney's Capitol Theatre from the 16th of November. The show will be directed in Australia by Roger Hodgman and features sets and costumes by renownEd English designer Anthony Ward.

Originally written by Ian Fleming for his son, the much loved 1968 film CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG starred Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes.

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 to rave reviews 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 Broadway production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG received 5 Tony Award nominations, 10 Outer Critics Circle Award nominations and 4 Drama Desk nominations during its Broadway run at the Hilton Theatre.

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

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.

The show runs at the Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket from 16 November 2012 on Tues at 7pm, Weds to Sat at 8pm, Matinees Wed at 1pm, Sat at 2pm & Sun at 3pm.

Tickets go on sale on May 28 from $69.60 to $129.90 (transaction and booking fees may apply) from Ticketmaster 1300 723 038 or ticketmaster.com.au. Groups of 12+ Save from 02 8512 9020.

www.chittychitty.com.au