The Fantasmagorical Guide: 5 Must-Know Secrets Of The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Tour (2024/2025)
The iconic flying car is back! The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Tour has roared into theatres across England, Scotland, and Ireland, delivering a truly scrumptious, brand-new production that has captivated audiences since its launch in April 2024. This latest theatrical spectacle, which celebrated its 200th performance in November 2024, is not just a revival; it's a completely re-imagined adventure that breathes fresh life into the beloved story, promising a "fantasmagorical" experience for the whole family, and it’s scheduled to run all the way until May 2025.
This fourth major UK tour of the musical, based on the 1968 MGM motion picture, is a must-see event this season. From major casting announcements involving TV personalities and Olivier nominees to a stunning new set design, this production has generated enormous buzz. Whether you're a long-time fan of the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his magical vehicle or introducing the tale to a new generation, here is the ultimate, up-to-date guide to the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Tour.
The Star-Studded Cast and Key Creative Team (2024/2025)
A major source of excitement for this new production has been its stellar and often rotating cast, bringing a blend of West End royalty and popular TV stars to the stage. The lead roles have seen some highly anticipated shifts, ensuring the show remains fresh and dynamic throughout its long run.
- Caractacus Potts: The role of the eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, was initially played by Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia (known for The Masked Singer and 42nd Street). Garcia’s tenure concluded at the end of 2024. The role was then taken over by TV personality and Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba, who brings his own charm and energy to the part.
- Truly Scrumptious: The adventurous Truly Scrumptious is played by Ellie Nunn.
- The Childcatcher: The terrifying but iconic villain, The Childcatcher, is shared between two major stars: Scottish comedian and actress Elaine C. Smith and RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, with both performers bringing a unique, chilling flair to the role at different venues.
- Baron Bomburst: Played by Liam Fox.
- Baroness Bomburst: Played by Michelle Collins.
- The Children: The crucial roles of Jeremy and Jemima Potts are played by a rotating group of talented young performers.
The Creative Forces Behind the Magic
The musical's enduring success is rooted in its original score and book. The current tour is directed by Thom Southerland and choreographed by Karen Bruce, with the show's book adapted by Jeremy Sams. The unforgettable songs, including "Truly Scrumptious," "Toot Sweets," and the title song "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," feature the timeless music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman Brothers (Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman), who are also responsible for the soundtracks of Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book.
The New Production: What Makes This Tour Different?
This 2024/2025 production is the fourth UK tour, but it has been marketed as a "brand-new production" for a reason. It features a fresh, vibrant aesthetic that honors the 1968 film while embracing modern theatrical technology.
A Truly Scrumptious Spectacle
Reviews have consistently praised the show’s visual appeal. The stage is filled with colorful costumes, bright lights, and energetic, twirling dancers that immediately capture the audience’s attention, especially the children. The production successfully delivers a massive wave of nostalgia for adults while winning over new, young audiences with its sheer fun and energy.
The Flying Car: A Technical Marvel
No Chitty Chitty Bang Bang production is complete without the car itself, and this new tour does not disappoint. The magnificent vehicle, which famously flies, is a technical highlight of the show. Its appearance on stage is a moment of pure theatrical magic, often eliciting gasps and cheers from the audience, solidifying its status as a "fantasmagorical musical."
The Story: An Adventure of Invention and Imagination
The plot centres on the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his two children, Jeremy and Jemima, who restore a dilapidated race car they name Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The car turns out to have magical properties, including the ability to float and fly. Their adventures take them to the fictional land of Vulgaria, where children are outlawed by the tyrannical Baron Bomburst and his wife, and where they must evade the clutches of the menacing Childcatcher.
Full UK Tour Dates and Venues (2024–2025)
The tour is an extensive road trip across the UK and Ireland, ensuring that fans nationwide have a chance to witness the magic. The run commenced in April 2024 at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton and continues well into the following year, with final dates scheduled for May 2025.
Below is a list of major venues and performance dates, though it is always recommended to check the official tour website for the most up-to-date schedule and ticket availability, as tour dates and casting are subject to change.
- Mayflower Theatre, Southampton: 30 April – 12 May 2024 (Opening Run)
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking: 15 – 19 May 2024
- New Wimbledon Theatre, London: 21 – 26 May 2024
- Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh: 28 May – 1 June 2024
- His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen: 11 – 15 June 2024
- Glasgow King's Theatre, Glasgow: 27 August – 1 September 2024
- Alhambra Theatre, Bradford: 17 – 22 September 2024
- Theatre Royal, Norwich: 24 – 29 September 2024
- Theatre Royal, Plymouth: Dates in 2025 (Check for specifics)
- Final Dates: The tour is scheduled to conclude in May 2025.
Essential Visitor Information
For those planning a visit, the running time for the production is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, which includes a 20-minute interval. The show is generally recommended for all ages, with an age guidance of 5+, and no under 2s are typically permitted in the auditorium.
The success of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK tour is a testament to the timeless appeal of the Sherman Brothers' music and the enduring charm of Ian Fleming's original story. It's a reliable, joyful revival that provides a much-needed dose of pure, unadulterated family entertainment, making it one of the most talked-about theatrical events of the 2024/2025 season. Don't miss your chance to see the famous car fly before the final curtain call in May 2025.
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