New cast for UK stage production of `Chitty Chitty Bang Bang` announced

Stage and television star Brian Conley will play ‘Caractacus Potts’ in the smash hit musical “CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” at the London Palladium for 14 weeks from 15 March. At the same time, hit recording artist Alvin Stardust will take over the role of ‘The Childcatcher’ for 14 weeks. Jo Gibb will play the role of ‘Truly Scrumptious’ from 15 March - reports Broadway World.

Brian Conley’s television work includes several series of “The Brian Conley Show”, three series of “Time After Time” and two series of “The Grimleys”. His West End work includes starring in “Me and My Girl” and playing the title role in “Jolson”. He has also made guest appearances in seven Royal Variety Shows. Alvin Stardust shot to fame in the 70’s with four hit singles recorded under the name Shane Fenton. His debut single as Alvin Stardust was ‘My Coo Ca Choo’, which became a huge international hit, staying in the charts for over six months. Several other hit singles followed. Jo Gibb’s West End credits include “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”, “Chicago” and “Cats”.

“CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” currently stars Jason Donovan as ‘Caractacus Potts’, Scarlett Strallen as ‘Truly Scrumptious’, Tony Adams as ‘Grandpa Potts’, Christopher Biggins as ‘Baron Bomburst’, Louise Gold as ‘Baroness Bomburst’ and Stephen Gately as ‘The Childcatcher’. Jason Donovan, Scarlett Strallen and Stephen Gately leave at the end of their contracts.

“CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” will open on Broadway at the Hilton Theatre (formerly The Ford Center) this Spring. Previews begin on 27 March, with an opening night set for 28 April.

“CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” has music & lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman. The film has been adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams. The show is designed by Anthony Ward, has musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne and is directed by Adrian Noble.

“CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” was nominated for 3 Laurence Olivier 2003 Awards, including ‘Best New Musical’, and won ‘Best Musical’ at the Variety Club Awards 2003. This is the first stage adaptation of the internationally known hit film made from Ian Fleming’s classic story. The London Palladium production, which has sensational sets and stunning special effects, opened on 16 April 2002 to great reviews and record-breaking business and continues to play to capacity houses.

“CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” is produced by Barbara Broccoli, Michael G Wilson and Dana Broccoli for Eon Productions, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeff Sine, Miriam Productions and Michael Rose Ltd for Chitty (UK) Ltd.

Performance times are Tuesdays at 7.00pm, Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7.30pm, with Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm. Ticket prices range from £16.00-£45.00. Tickets are available from the London Palladium Box Office on 0870 890 1108. “CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” is currently booking until 4 September 2005.

Visit the “CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” website on www.chittythemusical.co.uk

Thanks to `JP` for the alert.

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