West Buckland School to stage Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Ilfracombe theatre

West Buckland School will present the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe on 11th, 12th and 13th February.

The production involves students from across the school, including performers in acting and singing roles and pupils working in technical theatre, covering lighting, stage management and sound.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is based on a 1964 children’s book by Ian Fleming, who is better known as the author of the James Bond novels. The story follows inventor Caractacus Potts, his children, and a car with unusual capabilities, including the ability to fly and float.

The book was adapted into a film in 1968, starring Dick Van Dyke. The film included musical numbers such as “Toot Sweets” and “Me Ol’ Bamboo” and became widely known internationally. The musical version performed by West Buckland draws on both the original story and the 1968 film.

West Buckland’s drama and music departments have previously produced full-scale school musicals, including Les Misérables in 2024. Students have spent several months rehearsing choreography, singing, and technical elements of the production.

Tickets for the shows are available from the school website at www.westbuckland.com/chitty2026