The original Mary Poppins film came out in 1964. That makes it over 60 years old, yet it’s a movie that brings out childhood memories like no other. Remembering back to sitting on the sofa as a family, mesmerised by the magical, now iconic story of the ‘practically perfect’ nanny arriving by umbrella to change the lives of the Banks family on Cherry Tree Lane.
As a child you were drawn into this world, it was probably the first time you’d ever seen ‘special effects’ in a movie, a talking parrot handle, on-screen flying, and actors interacting with animated penguins…it blew many tiny minds back them and quite a few since.
The new version of the movie arrived in 2018 with Mary Poppins Returns and brought a whole new wave of fans into the Mary Poppins world. But with all this movie magic, how would the stage show match up. As a Cameron Mackintosh and Disney production, you have certain expectations for the staging and sets but mostly you desperately want it to live up to those childhood memories that you cherish so much.
After award-winning runs in the West End and on Broadway this new UK & Ireland tour has made its way to Milton Keynes Theatre for a month-long stint until 22 November.
Almost from the moment the curtain goes up, you know you’re in for a visual feast – the sets are honestly jaw-dropping. They effortlessly transport you to the Banks’ grand house, the children’s nursery, the park and the rooftops of London town – so you’re fully immersed into the world of Mary Poppins.
Acclaimed Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers play the roles of Mary Poppins and Bert, we were little concerned about their accents creeping through, but no need to worry the prim English and cockney accents held true throughout. They are both absolutely superb. Stefanie Jones commands the stage with a self-assured presence that grounds the production, but her warmth still shines through. Her clipped, comedy timing is ‘spit-spot’ on. As with Julie Andrews in the movie, she doesn’t need to overplay the character, her restraint reels the audience in and is totally believable.
Opposite her, Jack Chambers has the charisma and energy to bring Bert to life, his cheekiness and on-stage presence perfectly balance against Mary’s rigidity. You can’t help but warm to both the characters as they take you through the wonderful story with ease and grace.
The rest of the cast are equally as brilliant, but we must give a special shout out to the Banks children played by Connie Jones and Oli Manning in the performance we saw. They are on stage for a lot of this production and there’s nowhere to hide. They dance, they sing, they act and they do it all superbly well.
The ‘Bird Woman’ was played by the iconic Patti Boulaye and although she only sings that one classic song, she does it with ease and again, brings a warmth to a much-loved character.
All your favourite songs are here ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’, ‘Step in Time’ and ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ plus many beautiful new songs written especially for the musical.
But honestly, the choreography within the musical numbers is what makes this show shine above many others. They are executed with such joy and energy that you can’t help but get swept along in the happiness they bring to the audience. No spoilers but ‘Step in Time’ has to be one of the best musical dance numbers ever in theatre-land. The set design, the tap dancing, the costumes, the lighting and the spectacular gravity-defying conclusion leave you stunned and elated in equal measure.
And as Mary Poppins departs, umbrella and bag in hand, once again your jaw ends up firmly on the floor as some truly remarkable theatre trickery concludes the show and you’re left yearning to see it all over again.
There have been many incredible shows at Milton Keynes Theatre over the years, but this is up there in our Top Three, maybe even the best ever. It’s truly a production that transports you into another world – for two and half hours, you forget about the madness of the world outside, you become that child again, taken back to a simpler time of magic and music, and it really is ‘practically perfect’ in every way.
Mary Poppins runs until Saturday 22 November. Matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday. 2pm show only on Sundays.
Tickets available from £25 – buy here:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mary-poppins/milton-keynes-theatre/
Age guidance: 7+. Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted into the theatre.
