Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

This musical, based on the novel by now well-known writer Ian Fleming, was written in the mid–1960s. Fleming, best known for his James Bond series, did not live to see the full extent of his success. The producer of the 1968 movie-musical adaptation was Albert R. Broccoli, who later produced the James Bond films. This creative partnership led to the creation of a beloved family classic, despite the film not performing well at the box office, collecting only USD 7.5 million against a production budget of 10 million.

Following the film, a stage musical adaptation premiered, reaching two of the world's most prestigious stages – the West End in 2002 and Broadway in 2005. Both productions garnered nominations for major theatrical awards, reflecting their artistic achievements.

During its West End production, a song titled "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was nominated for an Oscar. The show holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive stage prop, with the flying car named Chitty valued at £0.75 million. The name of the car – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – was inspired by the distinctive sounds produced by its motor. The musical entertained audiences for three years until it closed in September 2005.

The Lyric Theatre on Broadway hosted the musical in April 2005, directed by Adrian Noble, with choreography by Gillian Lynne. The cast included Raúl Esparza, Erin Dilly, Philip Bosco, Marc Kudisch, Jan Maxwell, and Henry Hodges. The show ran for a little over 300 performances, including previews, which was considered a moderate success.

In recent news, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" has continued to charm audiences with various regional and international productions. A notable revival occurred in 2016 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, directed by James Brining. This production received critical acclaim for its innovative staging and faithful rendition of the beloved story.

In 2020, a special 50th-anniversary edition of the original film was released, featuring remastered visuals and sound, as well as behind-the-scenes documentaries and interviews with the original cast and crew. This release reignited interest in both the film and the stage musical, leading to renewed discussions about a potential new film adaptation or a West End revival.

Release date: 2002
Last Update: April, 21st 2025