It is the not the first time a West End star has thrown a strop and she was given a stern talking to

Producer Michael Rose

The problem was eventually fixed at 2130 BST but it was too late for it to start.

Producers were forced to issue an apology and promise a refund or tickets for another performance.

But the show is now back on course with all the scheduled performances set to go ahead as planned.

Last minute replacement

One of the musical's producers, Michael Rose, said the problem had been an electrical fault within the car's computer system.

He said: "We had to replace a component at the last minute and, because all the components have to speak to one another there was a problem and the car would not start.

"It is the not the first time a West End star has thrown a strop and she was given a stern talking to."

Michael Ball and Emma Williams star in the stage version

The original story was written by James Bond creator Ian Fleming and was turned into a famous movie with Dick Van Dyke in the main role.

The stage version is directed by Adrian Noble, artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The role of the Child Catcher, who lures youngsters away from their parents and locks them up in dungeons, is played by Rocky Horror Show star Richard O'Brien.

Brian Blessed, Anton Rodgers and Nichola McAuliffe also make up the cast.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is already booking up until October.