Edward Paul Chia
The car and the girls were good reasons as any to catch a James Bond movie. Bond creator Ian Fleming has created no less a spell with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a hit film he produced in 1968 based on the eponymous book.
5 years since, the magic is re-created anew under the direction of Adrian Noble, who served as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive from 1990 to 2003, and the car is landing here.
With The Daily Mirror labelling it “A sure-fire hit,” and London’s The Sunday Times calling it, “Breathtaking. It’s a big, joyful, enchanting show,” the eagerly anticipated Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is set to open to much fanfare when it parks in Singapore from Nov 2 to Dec 9.
3 years after its West End debut in 2002, the musical made it to Broadway. Since its London show had its final curtain call in 2005, the show had been on tour in the United Kingdom (UK) before finally making its first foray into Asia, namely Singapore.
The musical follows the adventures of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts who invents the magical flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Together with his 2 children, Jemima and Jeremy Potts, his father Grandpa Potts and the extremely beautiful Truly Scrumptious, they’ll have to outwit the cruel and greedy Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria and his evil underling, the sinister Child Catcher, who’re plotting to get their hands on the magical vehicle.
But if you’re unsure whether to catch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on stage, UrbanWire has decided to provide you with 3 reasons why you shouldn’t miss the musical.
1. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Arguably the star of the musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a car that’s miles apart from any set of wheels out on the road today.
According to show promoters, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, this 1.5 tonne masterpiece holds the “Guinness World Record for the most 
expensive prop in the history of British Theatre.” The entire Singapore production cost came up to a whopping $3 million.
“Using state-of-the-art automation technology not seen on the theatre stage before” to fly around the stage, this piece of engineering ingenuity will leave the audience in awe.
So for those who thought that the chandelier-crashing scene in The Phantom of the Opera was amazing, you haven’t seen anything yet!
2. Quality Acting
Despite the cast having undergone many changes since the musical’s original incarnation, quality hasn’t been compromised.
For example, Kevin Kennedy who’s best known for his 20-year-long role as Norman ‘Curly’ Watts on ITV’s Coronation Street will play the role of Caractacus Potts, replacing Craig McLachlan, who starred during the musical’s last stop at Southampton during its UK tour.
And in a throwback to the musical’s beginnings, among the cast of over 70 (which includes 8 dogs), is renowned thespian, Richard O’Brien who will be reprising his role as the original fiendish Child Catcher. According to The Daily Telegraph, “Richard O’Brien is a wonderfully sinister and charismatic Child Catcher,” a great compliment for a role that requires a great acting chops. After all, the Child Catcher has been voted on CBBC as “the scariest villain in children’s books”, beating even Harry Potter’s Lord Voldemort!
3. Colourful Costumes and Expressive Sets!
As you might expect from such a colourful children’s story, brace yourself to be blown 
away by the musical’s vibrant and expressive costumes and sets designed by Anthony Ward. Ward has been known for work on various theatrical works such as the 1996 Broadway edition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
With the Broadway edition nominated for “The Best Scenic Design of a Musical” during the 2005 Tony Awards, audiences will certainly be provided with a visual treat that does justice to Fleming’s original works.
Book your tickets now!
Between the wonderful storyline, one-of-a-kind car, brilliant cast, plus well-designed costumes and sets, you’ll be presented with a theatrical experience that will undoubtedly be a breathtaking spectacle.
So what are you waiting for? Contact a SISTIC outlet near you to get your tickets for the musical before Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies away!
Ticketing Details
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Date: From Nov 2 to Dec 9
Time: Tue – Fri, 8pm
Sat & Sun, 2pm & 8pm
Ticket Prices: Tue-Thur, Sun Evening & Sat and Sun Matinee Shows
Standard – $140, $120, $95, $70, $160 (VIP Box), $140 (Box B-G), $120 (Box B-G), $40 (Restricted View), $50 (Student)
Gala (6 Nov), Fri & Sat Shows
Standard – $150, $130, $110, $85, $170 (VIP Box), $150 (Box B-G), $130 (Box B-G), $40 (Restricted View)
Call SISTIC at 6348 5555 for advance booking, or book online at www.sistic.com.sg.