FANTASMAGORICAL.

There’s only one word which fits an utterly fantastic show which is fine tuned to perfection.

Despite a star-studded cast, the car is the star in this wonderful tale of the adventures of one family and their flying car.

Chitty takes off over the stage in the highlight of a cleverly staged production, which uses video projection to make you believe you really are overshooting Beachy Head in a motor and being chased by a pirate ship from the fictional land of Vulgaria.

Jason Manford is completely charming as Caractacus Potts, the broken-hearted and slightly bonkers inventor and Dad to Jeremy and Jemima. Each scene with youngsters Henry Kent and Lucy Sherman is touching, he brings bags of humour to the role and he can certainly sing.

• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs until Sunday February 21. Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk

The talented ten-year-old Potts children impress in all their scenes, particularly the beautiful Truly Scrumptious song alongside Amy Griffiths, who lives up to her scrumptious billing, and upbeat dance number Posh alongside Grandpa (the batty but endearing Andy Hockley).

Our spies Boris (Sam Harrison) and Goran (Scott Page) are hysterical. Their ‘don’t beat around the bush’ line as they skulked around the stage dressed as hedges was a laugh out loud moment.

Martin Kemp’s Childcatcher is less terrifying creep more pantomime villain and last night’s packed audience loved treating him as such, with the boos of kiddie winkies and their grown-ups filling the auditorium each time he was on stage.

Baron and Baroness Bomburst are as eccentric as expected with Phill Jupitus channelling his inner spoilt child / Hannibal Lecter / Bond villain as he plays with his toys and Michelle Collins sultry and sexy as the woman who hates children and lashes out at teddy bears.

The choreography in every scene sparkles to such an extent that even the bizarre samba scene as part of the Bomburst birthday celebrations becomes an unexpected joy. With a score that includes the favourites Me Ol’ Bamboo and Doll on a Music Box performed by a talented live band, there is nothing not to like about this fun-filled night at the theatre.

With tickets for its two and a half week run in Southampton going faster than you can say Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, I suggest you snaps yours up Toot Sweet.