The fantasmagorical children’s classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang got off to a flying start at Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre winning over a new generation of fans with its timeless nostalgia.

Penned by Ian Fleming in 1964, who made up the tale as a bedtime story for his son, it has been described as ‘James Bond for children’. It’s no surprise then that the book, which was turned into a smash hit movie starring Dick Van Dyke and with a screen play by Roald Dahl in 1968, has incompetent spies, intrigue, and exotic locations galore along with an iconic villain and a far-fetched plot.

So far so Bond. But the story is, to be frank, completely bonkers. A widower, eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Adam Garcia), buys a wreck of a former champion race car for his two children, does it up, and discovers it has magical powers. The family aren’t the only ones who realise just how special Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is, however.

The nasty Baron Bomburst, tyrannical ruler of the land of Vulgaria, attempts to steal Chitty and will stop at nothing to get his hands on the enchanted car.

Cue a fast-paced, frenetic plot that involves adventures to far-off lands where the Vulgarians kidnap the children who are outlawed there as the Baroness hates the sight of them. Drag superstar The Vivienne brilliantly portrays The Childcatcher and is utterly terrifying while the Baron and Baroness, and their hapless spies, provide the vulgar – naturally – pantomime-style laughs throughout.

There are colourful costumes, bright lights and twists and turns as the talented cast magic up all the fun of the fair, sweet factory, and race track on stage with only a few boxes and minimum props.

But amid the chaos is an endearing – and enduring – story of love, family and sacrifice that feels as fresh today as it did 70 years ago.

Olivier-nominee Garcia (Death on the Nile, Wicked and Coyote Ugly) is spell-binding as Caractacus. Ellie Nunn (Twelfth Night and The Kill List) is, er, truly scrumptious as the feminist motorbike riding (and fixing) Truly Scrumptious. The children Jeremy and Jemima – played by Melody Caruana and the adorable Huxley Syers – handle their complex roles brilliantly, and Emmerdale star Liam Fox is superb as Grandpa Potts, but the true star of the show is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Gleaming, chugging and with flashing headlights, restored to her former glory after being found abandoned in a junk yard, the ex-racing car saves the day – and the family – by being able to float on water and even fly. The high-tech wizardry made the entire audience gasp at the end of the first act, and no one minded when there was a short delay starting the second act while the technicians ‘gave Chitty a bit of love.’

After the curtain went up – and the children all cheered – we were all mesmerised by the song and dance routines that showed off Garcia and Nunn’s superb voices and dancing skills. Garcia, who is reminiscent of a young Tom Hanks, commanded the stage in Me Ol’ Bamboo and both stars were captivating in The Doll Dance.

The routines aren’t superfluous but necessary to move the story along, while the songs – created by the Academy Award-winning songwriters The Sherman Brothers – range from the tender Hushabye Mountain to the toe-tapping Toot Sweets, Truly Scrumptious and (Oh You) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that you’ll still be singing days after watching the show.

This new musical, directed by Thom Southerland, is a lavish all-singing all-dancing Wonka-esque production with flashing lights, pyrotechnics and a flying car that steals every scene it’s in. A fun evening (or matinee) for all the family, it’ll steal your heart and have you racing back to watch it again before the end of its run here.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at The Congress Theatre Eastbourne until Sunday 24 November, 2024, 7pm, Saturday and Sunday matinee 2pm. Tickets from £30. eastbournetheatres.co.uk