Photo: Danny Kaan
Disney’s magical nanny is back delighting audiences all over the UK, and children (even the big kids) are bound to leave the theatre with a smile on their face. Based on the book series by P.L. Travers, this production by Disney Theatricals in collaboration with Sir Cameron Mackintosh, first took the West End by storm over twenty years ago. But just the same as its movie adaptation, I believe that this version is ultimately timeless.
The Banks family wish for a nanny to fix all their problems, Jane wants someone fairly pretty, Michael wants someone to play games with, and their parents just want one to stay. Blown in by the wind, the “practically perfect” Mary Poppins appears and takes us all on an amazing adventure filled with colour, magic and a song or two.
The twelve-piece orchestra, led by Isaac Mccullough, boom through the auditorium and it is an absolute joy to listen to these songs performed with such enthusiasm. The Sherman brothers’ classics sound as epic as ever, as the ensemble voices soar as high as the kites they sing of, resulting in so many goosebump inducing moments.
Hot off their award-winning run in the Australian production, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers lead the charge as the iconic Poppins and her chimney sweep friend, Bert. Jones is stunning, with a sprinkle of sass, in her portrayal of Mary, and Chambers makes a dynamic, lovable narrator. As a lover of the film, I never felt that I was missing out on characteristics of Andrews and Van-Dyke; these were new, yet familiar interpretations of the roles, executed with a great amount of care.
Michael D Xavier is a brilliant, “practical” George Banks, and Lucie-Mae Sumner is equally as captivating as his wife, Winifred. Both balance their character’s quirks with a charming warmth and so make their journey through the show incredibly heartwarming. As their children, Jane and Michael, Katie Ryden and Charlie Donald are true triple threats (and they’re very funny too). They are names to keep an eye out for in the future, I’m sure!
Whether on the rooftops of Cherry Tree Lane, or in the sunshine filled park, the use of projection and elaborate scenery come together in admirable synergy. The set pieces fold in and out, reminiscent of a doll’s house, but the most grand, spectacle pieces seem to appear out of nowhere. A giant umbrella adorns the constellations at one point and there have been so many magical settings, that this doesn’t seem out of the ordinary. And as I did mention it, yes, do expect even more impressive magic on the stage.
Show stopping numbers by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear, are performed with such commitment by the insanely talented cast. “Step in Time”, “Supercali…” and “Anything Can Happen” were so infectiously joyful, that the applause lasted longer than any show I’ve ever been to (and rightfully so).
As spick and span as ever, I’m sure Mary herself would approve of this show. Every cog in the machine is running with such precision and care, that finding any kind of fault in the outcome is difficult. It’s polished and an absolute pleasure to experience, and as much as I’m trying not to use the phrase, it actually is “practically perfect!”
Mary Poppins is in Manchester till 17th May and continues to tour the UK into the new year. Tickets are available at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mary-poppins/palace-theatre-manchester/
Reviewer: Coral Mourant
Reviewed: 11th April 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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