LAST summer's blockbuster musical at the Theatre Royal, Mary Poppins, which began its new national tour here, is followed this year by another, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, also inaugurating a new national tour.

It started off as a book written by James Bond creator Ian Fleming for his own children.

Favourite children's writer Roald Dahl then wrote the screenplay for the 1968 movie, which must surely feature in the formative years of everyone and their own offspring.

And then, in 2002, Jeremy Sams came up with a stage version which Adrian Noble, on leave from the RSC, directed to become a popular moneyspinner.

It's a biggie, alright. Over 100 in the cast and crew (including ten dogs), sensational sets, a full orchestra, and stunning special effects, it also claims the Guinness World Record for the most expensive stage prop. No need to guess what that is.

The magical car sails and flies, and is a beauty to look at. Far more charismatic than those other cinematic jalopies, Genevieve and the Yellow Rolls Royce. Indeed, the human (and canine) performers have their work cut out to attract attention away from the car.

The plot is an adventure story which Sams has simplified and tightened.

Impoverished inventor Caractacus Potts sets about restoring the old wreck of a car.

He, his twin offspring Jeremy and Jemima, and the wealthy Truly Scrumptious pursue kidnapped Grandpa to the land of Vulgaria where the evil childcatcher seeks to rid the country of abhored little kiddies.

It is enlivened by great songs by the Sherman brothers, songs which everyone knows before they enter the theatre, so that has to be a plus for a musical.

Films like the Full Monty, Sunset Boulevard and The Witches of Eastwick all took on new scores when they were adapted for the stage, but Chitty Chitty Bang Bang not only retains the original movie's songs but adds a clutch of new numbers by the same writers, and there's not a dud among them.

Add some phenomenal dance routines and you have a smash hit.

It runs at the Theatre Royal from July 3 to 25. Tickets are available on 01752 267222 or online at www.theatreroyal.com