BASED on the book by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, the much-loved 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang starring Dick Van Dyke, was part of everyone's childhood.

The fantastic adventures of this out-of-the-ordinary car that flies through the air and sails the seas, are reaching a new generation through an enthralling and enchanting stage musical which burst onto the stage in 2002 at the London Palladium.

This fantasmagorical stage musical starts a new UK tour at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from Friday, July 3, until Saturday, July 25.

With a cast and crew of over 100 (including 10 dogs), sensational sets, a full orchestra and stunning special effects this action-packed adventure is the story of the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, and his two children Jemima and Jeremy alongside Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, all try and outwit the dastardly Baron and the evil childcatcher.

The show is bursting with magical songs including Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

West End veteran Darren Bennett plays Caractacus Potts while Rachel Stanley plays Truly Scrumptious. Rachel was last at the Theatre Royal in White Christmas (which the Plymouth theatre co-produced and sent on tour). John Griffiths plays Grandpa Potts. John was previously in The Sound of Music in the West End.

Nominated for three Olivier Awards, winning Best Musical at the 2002 Variety Awards, nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway, winning the coveted 2006 Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best Family Show and holding the Guinness World Record for the most expensive stage prop, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience for all ages. Don't let it take off without you.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is directed by Adrian Noble, the former artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, with choreography by David Morgan (Sophisticated Ladies, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Singing in the Rain, Me and My Girl and High Society).

The sensational sets and stunning special effects are designed by the award-winning designer Anthony Ward (Oklahoma, My Fair Lady).

Performances are on Monday to Saturday 7.30pm and Saturday and Thursday 2.30pm. Tickets: £10-£40.50. Box office: 01752 267222 or online at www.theatreroyal.com