THE stage is now set for the award-winning hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The £3m European tour of the show ends in Southampton with a three-month run from tomorrow night.

Over the past ten days a team of 130 have been working day and night to put the £750,000 car and the rest of the props onto the Mayflower stage.

The final touches are now being made before tomorrow's gala premiere in aid of Wessex Heartbeat.

Producer Michael Rose said: "I have never known a response like it by an audience at the end of a show. It's like being at a football match!

"The car is so popular. We have grown men with children coming out of the theatre at the end of the first act with tears streaming down their faces.

"There is no other show like it. It is just a joy to watch!"

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the story of the magical car that flies, features appearances from soap and stage star Craig McLachlan, 70s pop sensation Alvin Stardust and Crossroads actor Tony Adams.

Having been nominated for three Olivier Awards including Best Musical and winning Best Musical in the 2003 Variety Club Awards Chitty then went on to break every record at the London Palladium.

The longest running show in the history of the Palladium, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has now soared to even greater heights.

It opened on Broadway to critical acclaim and was nominated for five Tony Awards and will embark on a worldwide tour following the last night in Southampton on September 15.

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