'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' opens at Grand Canal

The musical 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' has opened at Dublin's Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin, and will run until 14th August next. Written by James Bond author Ian Fleming, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive stage prop, the £750,000 car! That's not the only connection with the bond franchise - Desmond 'Q' Llewlyn played the scrap dealer Coggins in the original film. The screenplay for this film was written by children's author Roald Dahl and the Sherman Brothers wrote the iconic title song 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' which was nominated for an Oscar in 1968. General Manager Stephen Faloon anticipates the arrival of such an enormous show: "To have a show of this size and calibre will really show off what the theatre can do. People are already hugely impressed by the architecture of the theatre and now we want to deliver a show to illustrate what the theatre is capable of doing, which is cater for a full sized West End production right here in Dublin." 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, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets: €25 - €55 are available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide or phone 0818 719 377; Group Bookings/ Gift Vouchers: +353 (1) 677 7770 The Circle Club and Hospitality Bookings: + 353 (1) 674 2407. www.grandcanaltheatre.ie