I reckon I must have been 15 the first and only time I watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on the telebox - yes I’m THAT old, and also on the odd occasion over Christmas where I’ve caught snippets, writes Neil Edwards

So I was well aware of the catchy tune of the title, but had forgotten the wondrously strange and surreal characters and storyline.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is more than just a musical; it's a magical escape to a world of wonder and imagination. This production masterfully captures the spirit of the beloved film, while infusing it with a fresh energy and contemporary flair, telling the story of an extraordinary magical flying car that is desired by the fictional European kingdom of Vulgaria (bare with me), ruled by the wicked Baron Bomburst.

What follows is a wacky, zany, sometimes camp trip as we follow an Allstar cast, led by smooth and somewhat comforting Adam Garcia, as eccentric, charming Caractacus Potts - an inventor who’s two children discover an old racing car in a junk yard and convince their father to buy it, right from underneath the noses of two Vulgarian spies. I won’t spoil the rest of the plot but suffice to say its rather crazy and eventful.

The cast delivers performances that are both heartwarming and hilarious. Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn) is a delightful embodiment of sweetness and spirit with the young actors playing Jeremy (Louis Wilkins) and Jemima (Isabella Manning) bringing a youthful exuberance to the stage, as does Liam Fox of Emmerdale fame as Grandpa Potts, while the villains - the Childcatcher, played by Charlie Brooks who is well-known for her role as villainous Janine in Eastenders and the Vulgarians, provide ample opportunities for laughter and boos.

At this point I HAVE to give a shout out to the two Vulgarian spies and the Baroness. The spies - played hilariously and extravagantly by Michael Joseph and Adam Stafford - could have their own standup show. I haven’t laughed so much out loud at a theatre, pure genius and the sassy Jenny Gayner as the Baroness, has just got it. Comedic, sexy, brilliant.

The technical wizardry behind Chitty is simply breathtaking,  I won’t ruin the surprise but it left the audience in awe and a couple of the theatre manager’s in tears due to the logistical nightmare they had in creating it and seeing the magic happen on their ‘little’ stage.

It's a feat of engineering, that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the touring fair on the seafront and seamlessly blends with the storytelling, creating a truly unforgettable moment.

The iconic songs are beautifully rendered, with a live orchestra adding depth and richness to the sound. The choreography is energetic and engaging, and the set design is imaginative, transporting the audience to a world of candy canes and castles (told you).

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a reminder of the power of storytelling. It's a show that ignites the imagination, warms the heart, and leaves you with a smile on your face. Whether you're a child discovering the magic for the first time or an adult reliving cherished memories, this production is a truly enchanting experience.

If you're looking for a show that combines stunning visuals, catchy music, and a heartwarming story, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is an absolute must-see. It's a production that will leave you believing in the impossible and longing for more adventures with the magical flying car. Just be prepared to be humming the title tune for a while and definitely wishing to see it again!

An absolute winner and it shows that the newly refurbished Princess Theatre can handle anything. 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs until Sunday, August 11.