JASON Manford, Lee Mead, Martin Kemp, Phil Jupitus and Michelle Collins are names among those who have been announced as the all-star cast for the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which will coming to Southend in the spring.

The much-loved Sherman Brothers musical will tour from February next year, starting at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and finishing in November in Woking.

Caractacus Potts will be played by Jason Manford, from February 10 until April 24, and he will return to the show from October 5, 2016.

Lee Mead will play the part from May 4 until September 18, 2016.

Martin Kemp will play the Childcatcher and Amy Griffiths will play Truly Scrumptious, both until April 24, 2016.

Phill Jupitus will feature as Lord Scrumptious/Baron Bomburst until April 24, 2016. Michelle Collins will be Baroness Bomburst, and Andy Hockley, Grandpa Potts.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, who were also responsible for Mary Poppins, the Slipper and the Rose, the Aristocats and the Jungle Book. The Sherman Brothers have won two Academy Awards with a further nine nominations, two Grammy Awards and they have received 21 gold and platinum albums.

The film made from Ian Fleming’s classic story has been adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, based on the MGM script adapted by Ray Roderick.

This new production will be directed by West Yorkshire Playhouse artistic director James Brining, with new choreography by Stephen Mear.

There will be a live orchestra with musical supervision by Stephen Ridley.

“Sensational sets and stunning special effects” are promised and, of course, the memorable score by the Sherman Brothers, which includes such standards as Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend, from Wednesday April 13 until Sunday April 24.

Ticket prices go from £15.50 up to £45.50.

Visit southendtheatres.org.uk for booking.