Chitty ready to hit the city

London's children are bracing themselves for what promises to be a phantasmagorical stage musical treat when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang receives it's world premiere at the London Palladium on 16 April (previews from 19 March).

The stage logistics of translating the story of a flying car have clearly put previous producers off Ian Fleming's classic story. But with a team including designer Anthony Ward (My Fair Lady), choreographer Gillian Lynne (Cats and Phantom of the Opera) and the RSC's artistic director Adrian Noble and some real financial muscle courtesy of producers Barbara Broccoli (Cubby's daughter) and Michael Wilson, this has every chance of being a truly great musical.

The memorable Sherman Brothers score will be given the Michael Ball treatment. He will star as failed inventor Caractacus Potts, Anton Rodgers steps into the shoes of Grandpa Potts, while the booming Brian Blessed is the evil Baron.

London Palladium, bookings 0870 890 1108.

chittythemusical.co.uk