THE smash-hit, phantasmagorical spectacle that is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has landed on the south coast with – well – a bang.

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre is the first stop on the musical’s year-long tour of the UK and Ireland.

And the theatre's exciting role as one of the producers of the show gave this first night a buzz and attracted the great and the good of the city to a lively night of action-packed fun.

It’s one of the world’s most popular stage shows and the all-star cast in its latest reinvention more than do it justice.

Jason Manford shines as the wacky inventor Caractacus Potts and EastEnders and Coronation Street star Michelle Collins gave a hilarious performance playing child-hating, spoilt brat Baroness Bomburst.

Phill Jupitus relished the role of the idiotic and childish Baron Bomburst and as for pantomime baddie The Childcatcher – who knew lovely Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet could be so ‘orrible and receive such an enthusiastic "boo" from the audience?

The adorable Jeremy and Jemima Potts will be played throughout the show's run by three "teams" and Team Purple - Henry Kent and Lucy Sherman - will be hard acts to follow.

Their fine four-fendered friend didn’t do a bad job either.

Knock-out special effects, largely thanks to video designer Simon Wainwright, made the flying scenes as believable as a flying car can be and choreographer Stephen Mear ensured the talented ensemble showed off their considerable skills without stealing the limelight from those in the main roles.

Ian Fleming created James Bond for grown-ups and dreamt up this potty story for a younger audience.

And, judging by last night's reception, he'd be very proud of how it turned out.

The show runs until Sunday February 21 and tickets are selling fast so get a move on – it’s Truly Scrumptious.