Star cast for a classic story (Aled in CCBB)

xbons

CHITTY Chitty Bang Bang is the highlight of the Wales Millennium Centre’s summer programme and stars Aled Jones as Caractacus Potts. Ian Watkins, better known as H from Steps, will play the evil child catcher.

It runs from July 3 until August 30 in the Donald Gordon Theatre. Tickets cost £10 to £39.50 and are on sale now from the WMC box office on 08700 40 2000.

Apr 8 2008 by Cathy Owen, South Wales Echo

This article can be found at icWales - see CLICK HERE

Margaret. · Joined: Jan 05, 2006 Posts: 603

Thanks for the info xbons Very Happy

xbons · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:54 am Post subject:

This was first announced last August, Margaret - see page 3 of Aled's news items, at the bottom of the page - "Aled to star in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". The confirmation was delayed until the New Year, because they needed to be sure that Aled could do it after the bad Achilles Heel damage of last year.

But now he is into starting rehearsals and finding out more about it too - he went up to see CCBB at Bradford the other week (and the lovely xantha saw him at Leeds / Bradford airport on the way back! Very Happy

)

xbons

xaria · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:16 pm Post subject:

That's brilliant news! Smile

I'm definitely going to have to try and see that! Maybe my friend's brother will be playing in their orchestra as well - he's playing with the tour version at the moment. x

Silwa · Joined: Oct 16, 2006 Posts: 78 Location: Denbighshire

Chitty Chitty with Aled should be fantastic!!! I can't wait to go!! My boys love the film! Me too!! Mr. Green

I took my boys to see Joseph over easter and they behaved perfectly so I have no worries about their behaviour for Chitty!! It was a shame it wasn't Aled playing Joseph!

Roll on August!! Not that I'm wishing the year away - just can't wait to see this show!!

Will be a fantastic afternoon!!!

xcept · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:36 am Post subject:

Win a trip to see Aled in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

(Wales online comp)

After nearly four years enchanting adults and children alike at the London Palladium and then taking flight across the UK, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is arriving in Cardiff - and you could WIN a family ticket.

Up for grabs is one family tickets (four tickets, max two adults) to the opening night at Wales Millennium Centre on 3 July. Included in the prize is a souvenir brochure and ice-creams during the interval (courtesy of Loseleys).

Based on the story books by Ian Fleming and the 1968 film starring Dick Van Dyke, the fantasmogorical stage musical will star Wales’ very own Aled Jones as Caractacus Potts, former Steps star Ian ‘H’ Watkins as the Childcatcher and Tony Adams, best known for his role of Adam Chance in Crossroads.

With a score by renowned Sherman Brothers that includes such classics as Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the show centres around this eccentric inventor and his amazing car.

To enter simply email us the answer to the following question, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number:

Q: What is the name of the leading female character in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang appears at Wales Millennium Centre from 3 July-30 August 2008. For more information or to book tickets call the Ticket and Information Office on 08700 40 2000 or visit www.wmc.org.uk

The competition will close on Wednesday, 25 June. Please note: transport to and from the venue is NOT included in the prize.

CLICK HERE to enter

Source: Wales online

From xbons

xcept · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:10 pm Post subject:

Bid to find biggest Aled Jones fan

A hunt has been launched for people who are "nuts about Aled Jones".

The Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) in Cardiff is looking for the singer and Songs of Praise presenter's biggest fan.

Jones is starring in an eight-week run of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the WMC.

The venue wants entrants to explain in not more than 200 words why they are Jones's biggest fan - but his relatives, personal friends and acquaintances are not eligible to enter.

The fan who can prove they love Jones the most will win four tickets to the show and get to meet the Bangor-born star, who will select the winner himself.

A spokesman for the WMC said: "Are you nuts about Aled Jones?

"Have you been to all his shows? Do you have all his records? Is his photograph on the wall of your home? If so, Wales Millennium Centre would love to hear from you."

Aled plays crackpot inventor Caractacus Potts and is joined in the cast by former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Ian "H" Watkins, also of Steps fame.

Jones said: "I'm really grateful for all the support I get wherever I go. I wouldn't be working in showbiz if it were not for the people who've watched my shows and bought my records over the years.

"Knowing that there is a group of die-hard fans out there who follow you're every move is very flattering - and it's great to get an opportunity to meet genuine fans."

Entries can be emailed to press.office@wmc.org.uk or sent by post to Nia Jones, Press Office, Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL. A name, address and daytime telephone number must be included. The musical opens at the WMC on July 3.

Source: AOL entertainment

xbons · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 7:41 am Post subject:

There is a great article about the build up to Chitty in the news section - see CLICK HERE

My understanding is that Aled will be moving to Cardiff this weekend ready to open next Thursday (although he still has to do 'Good Morning Sunday' live from either London or Manchester tomorrow morning!)

xantha · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 6:35 am Post subject:

Thanks for the link xbons, I hope Aled has a sucessful and injury free run of CCBB.I remember when I saw Aled in Leeds he was saying how much he was looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the car as he thought it was incredible - can't wait to hear how he gets on.

I hope everyone going to see CCBB will have a wonderful time and come back and tell us all about it.

xbons · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:26 pm Post subject:

Two more articles which mention Aled and Chitty!

1) Auditions go off with a bang

Two young performers from Neath Port Talbot are flying high after landing parts in one of Britain’s most successful musicals.

Amber Morgan, of Baglan and Cai Pughsley, of Cimla, both 11, were both selected from 500 children to play sewer kids in the hit show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The show, which began an eight-week run on July 3 at Wales Millennium Centre, has successfully completed the transition from screen to stage.

The young actors will join superstar Aled Jones, who is about to take on one of the toughest tasks of his career to play one of the main characters, Caractacus Potts.
......

The young stars have been busily rehearsing for the gruelling 68-show run.

Leading man Aled Jones, said: “I’ve been rehearsing and performing with the children over the past few days, and like all the children in the show they are a dream to work with.

“What never ceases to amaze me is the amount of hard work and sheer dedication the young cast put into their work. They give 110% every single time.”

WalesonLine - Neath Guardian

To read the full article CLICK HERE

and

2) West End show takes Iwan for a ride:

THE most magical car in the land - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - flies into South Wales this week........

The show comes to Wales fresh from its successful four-year run at the London Palladium.

And it is already on course to break the Wales Millennium Centre’s £1.8m box office record set by Miss Saigon.

Aled Jones plays potty inventor Caractacus Potts and the television and radio star faces a gruelling 68 performances in the lead role, stretching over eight weeks.

“I’m known for Walking in the Air, but for the next eight weeks I will be flying in the air almost every day for two months,” he said.

“Over the past few weeks I’ve been really busy working on Songs of Praise for the BBC, and my BBC Radio Two show, so it’s all been a bit hectic.

“I’m naturally feeling just a little bit nervous about the show, but I am sure it will be a huge blast.”

WalesOnline - Cynon Valley

To read the full article CLICK HERE

xcept · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:48 pm Post subject:

Moved posts

xcept · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:42 am Post subject:

Latest Wishes - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang wish come true

Alex, aged nine, from Herne Bay in Kent, had a very special day, when his wish was granted. Alex, who is living with leukaemia, is a big fan of the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and it was his dearest wish to see the new stage production and meet the cast.

Make-A-Wish arranged for him to be collected from his hotel in a stretch limousine, along with his mum, dad and brother, Daniel, and travel in style to Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff where they watched a matinee of this magical show. After plenty of singing along to Me Ol’ Bamboo and Truly Scrumptious, Alex and his family had an extra special treat when they were invited back stage to meet the cast of the show, including lead actor, Aled Jones.

Alex’s mum Kerrie says: “Alex felt really special being able to go in the car ‘Chitty’ and everyone was so kind at the theatre. It was an experience we will never forget”.

Make-A-Wish would like to thank the Wales Millennium Centre for making this special wish come true.

Source: Make a Wish Foundation CLICK HERE