The all-new adaptation of the world’s most famous Nanny story – one ‘Mary Poppins’ – quite literally flew into Birmingham’s Hippodrome Theatre this week. And I have to say, in Mary’s own words, it’s ‘practically perfect in every way’!
With non-stop magic from the first note of ‘Chi-Chim-Cher-ee’ to the final reprise of ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ it is simply Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Picture by Danny Kaan. sThe formidable author PL Travers dreamed up her magical nanny in 1934.
Over many years, she featured in eight books always arriving in a gust of wind with her umbrella as her propellor. Firstly though she landed at the Banks’ home in London to bring enchantment, fun and a little order to the chaos.
In 1964, Walt Disney turned the story into a much-loved film, complete with an exceptional score by the legendary Sherman Brothers. Julie Andrews made the perfect Mary Poppins alongside Dick Van Dyke’s lovable Bert. It won multiple Oscars, including Best Actress.
Picture by Danny Kaan. sTravers refused to let her beloved creation be turned into a stage show for most of her life, then at the grand age of 93 she met the world’s greatest theatrical empresario, Cameron Mackintosh, to whom she was finally happy to entrust her lovable Nanny. Mackintosh took a few more years to persuade Disney to let him use the songs and storyline from the film, as well as Miss Travers’ books, in creating the stage musical. Sadly, Pamela Travers died in 1996 at the age of 97 and so never got to see her Mary on stage – in fact, it took another eight years until it shook the boards to rave reviews and awards.
The new stage musical, now touring is again produced and co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and the Disney Theatrical Group. It is directed by James Powell underpinning Richard Eyre’s original, the book is by Julian Fellows and there’s additional new songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drew, along with a team of top creatives who breathe new life into a timeless story.
Picture by Danny Kaan. sIt is brimming with utterly bedazzling FX and illusions from Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer, sensational choreography from Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear – audaciously brilliant lighting design by Hugh Vanstone and perfect sound from Paul Gatehouse.
Set and Costume Designer Bob Crowley has created a breathtaking visual world. The costuming is ostensively period with cheeky brash coloured additions, his dolls house set (adapted by Rosalind Coombes and Matt Kinley) unfolds into a double storey home complete with attic and below stairs kitchen. In a constantly moving kaleidoscope, settings and pieces glide and fly in a technical masterclass.
Picture by Danny Kaan. sAustralian actress Stefanie Jones gives an Olivier-worthy performance as Mary Poppins – she has the charm, the wit, the poise and enough charisma to fill a bucket full of sugar, never mind a teaspoon.
Jack Chambers is as delightful as he is energetic as wise cracking Bert and provides a show-grabbing sequence during his ‘Step In Time’.
As for the Banks family – Michael D. Xavier is truly three dimensional as the father George, firstly a bit John Clease in Fawlty Towers, then secondly serious and forlorn before finally grabbing our pity with the introduction of his horrid old nanny Miss Andrews in a new back story. Sarah-Marie Maxwell made a first class job of deputising for Lucie Mae Sumner as his wife Winifred Banks and Olive Harrison and Oliver Benson were ‘tickety boo’ as mouthy munchkins Jane and Michael.
Picture by Danny Kaan. sMiss Andrews (is this an in-joke nod to the goddess of Hollywood?) was a terrifying tour-de-force from Wendy Ferguson – her ‘Brimstone and Treacle’ being the stuff of nightmares. The huge talent that is Patti Boulaye brings soul and passion to the Bird Woman selling her ‘tuppence a bag’ pigeon food and Rosemary Ashe brings her brilliance to Mrs. Brill. Everyone in the company combines in flawless perfection.
All the big dance numbers are different – it doesn’t need to build layers of excitement it just bubbles constantly all the way like dipping into a box of chocolates. There’s statues that dance, puppets that scare and chimney sweeps to cheer.
Picture by Danny Kaan. sThe orchestra under the able baton of Isaac McCullough make truly scrumptious music.
Young and old grab a ticket if you can – there is mischief and magic afoot – you will be thrilled, chilled and I guarantee leave feeling absolutely joyous with a song on your lips and a glow in your heart.
Mary Poppins the Musical runs at the Birmingham Hippodrome until August 23. Click here for times, tickets and more information.
