Queensland Performing Arts Centre 'Gearing Up' for Upcoming CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

With only two weeks until the highly anticipated season of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang opens at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), the Centre is 'gearing up' for the fantasmagorical musical by theming the building and outlets in celebration of all things Chitty.

To add to the magical theatre experience when the iconic yellow car flies into Brisbane for a 5 week only season from the 19 November until 22 December, QPAC is theming its outlets and menus to be inspired by characters, songs and locations from the beloved musical.

Upstairs, the Lyric Theatre Bar and foyer will be enchanting visitors of all ages with the addition of the Scrumptious Sweet Co., an old fashioned sweet shop for the young and young at heart. Behind the bar there's a choice of two frozen cocktail flavours, the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Scrumptious Sunrise, served in a collectable light up martini glass. Non-alcoholic slushie options are also available.

The main foyer bar on the ground floor of QPAC will be transformed into the Scrumptious Bar, open both before and after each show, featuring signature cocktails such as Pimms Cups and Gin Martinis.

QPAC's flagship restaurant, The Lyrebird, will be serving up English inspired delicacies such as steak and kidney pudding with mushy peas and house-made ketchup and spotted dick with vanilla ice cream and brandy custard.

Along with this, Truly Scrumptious Picnic Baskets will be available for purchase for families or couples either online or on site in QPAC's Cascade Court. Guests are provided with a picnic rug and a basket full of goodies to enjoy on the Melbourne Street Green before the show.

Directed by Roger Hodgman, choreographed by Dana Jolly and with musical direction by Peter Casey, the Australian creative team and magnificent cast, lead by David Hobson, Rachael Beck and Shane Bourne, really bring the beloved characters including Chitty to life.

Featuring music by The Sherman Brothers, who also wrote the music for Mary Poppins; this Australian production features all of the iconic songs from the original film and brings a full company of over 70 (including eight dogs), sensational sets and stunning special effects.

The most highly anticipated family musical of 2013, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, will be presented at QPAC for a limited 5 week season, from 19 November to 22 December 2013, tickets are on sale now via www.qpac.com.au or 136 246.

If you're visiting Brisbane for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, why not make a weekend of it! Brisbane has Australia's largest free festive entertainment program, through November and December. Come and immerse yourself in the true magic of Christmas as Brisbane City and South Bank celebrate the festive season. For full program details go to visitbrisbane.com.au.