In the year it celebrates its 50th birthday, the curtain is set to rise on one of the most delightful family musicals of all time.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will fly into the Gaiety Theatre to begin a 14-show run on August 6.

SMP Partners is lending its support to the Taylorian production, based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Flemings’ children’s book.

And with a new sensational set, creative effects and a flying car, alongside a fabulous score of well-known tunes by the Sherman Brothers, the team behind it say the family-friendly blockbuster will leave audience members mesmerized and wanting more.

Producer of Taylorian Productions Matt James said: ’Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has all the elements of a great musical; a fun story combined with fabulous music and thrilling effects.

’We are very fortunate in that we have an excellent team across the board and in our artistic director and choreographer Chris Cuming, associate director Scott Hunter and musical director Kelvin Towse, a truly professional trio who really are the Toot Sweets icing on the cake.

’Without the likes of SMP Partners, however, it simply wouldn’t happen and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support.

’Hopefully their staff will enjoy the occasion.’

Among a cast of well-known performers, island actress Laura Pigott and Tom Dickerson, both who are currently studying at London drama schools, take on the lead roles of Truly Scrumptious and the eccentric Caratacus Potts, made famous by the iconic Dick Van Dyke.

Both are no strangers to the island’s theatre scene with Laura appearing in many local productions for more than a decade and Tom appearing in Taylorian Productions’ 2017 Summer Show ’Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’.

SMP Partners will be hosting special evenings for staff and their families at two of the performances and there will be an opportunity for its charity of the year, the Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes, to further boost funds with a bucket collection.

The company has previously supported major shows at the Gaiety including Joseph, CATS, the Wizard of Oz, Miss Saigon, Evita and the British Isles amateur premiere of The Phantom of the Opera.

Mark Denton, managing director of SMP Partners, said: ’We have been proud to be involved with so many outstanding productions over the years, which have brought so much enjoyment to so many in our island community.

’This will be the first time Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has been performed in the Isle of Man, so it is a great opportunity for Manx audiences to experience a classic.

’Having been fortunate enough to have seen many Taylorian productions over the years, I know the cast and crew will bring their usual professionalism, talent and commitment to ensure every evening is a night to remember while supporting a local cause.’

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at the Gaiety Theatre from August 6th to the 18th at 7.30pm (with matinees on August 11th and 18th).

Tickets are available from the Welcome Centre, the box office on 600555, villagaiety.com or taylorianproductions.net.

Members of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cast practising under the baton of musical director Kelvin Towse