By: Suzanne Cleave
Everybody’s favourite nanny, Mary Poppins, has glided gracefully onto the stage at the Theatre Royal Plymouth – and the audiences are loving it!
Based on P L Travers’ books and the 1964 Disney film, the stage adaptation delivers a fresh take on the beloved story, whilst still holding on to all the special nostalgia we know and love.
The story revolves around the Banks family, and their somewhat chaotic household. Mr Banks is a busy banker who hasn’t really got time for his children and suggests that his wife, Mrs Banks finds a suitable nanny to bring order to the household. Mary Poppins responds to an advertisement the children wrote which their father ripped up and put onto the fire.
Over time, Mary Poppins does transform the Banks household, but more importantly she brings joy and togetherness to every member of the family.
Directed by Richard Eyre and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, the show is a feast for the eyes, packed full with dancing, songs and a dusting of magic. The set is magnificent, and transports the audience from the Banks’ residence of Cherry Tree Lane to the chimney tops of London.
The use of visual effects is amazing. From Mary Poppins’ space defying bag to tidying the kitchen with not much more than a click of the fingers, the set truly comes alive. Even 17 Cherry Tree Lane itself opens up like a dolls house to reveal the inside of the family home. Welcome to the magical world of Mary Poppins!
Stefanie Jones is a perfect Mary Poppins, who captures the enchantment of the character whilst maintaining the no nonsense directness that keeps the children in check. Jack Chambers is great as loveable chimney sweep Bert. He’s charming and full of joy. One of my favourite parts of the show is where Bert leads his fellow chimney sweeps in a high-energy tap routine for Step in Time. He shows that it’s not just Mary Poppins that can do a bit of magic!
A number of young actors are cast as Jane and Michael Banks – and Olivia Ainsworth and Joshua Miles were superb as the cheeky siblings.
Special mention must also be given to Michael D Xavier and Lucie-Mae Sumner as George and Winifred Banks and also to Patti Boulaye, who plays Bird Woman.
The catchy songs from the film, such as A Spoonful of Sugar, Chim Chim Cheree and of course Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious are all there and are well received. Some new songs have also been incorporated and fit well with the narrative. Being Mrs Banks and Practically Perfect are two new classics that you will be humming days later.
So, is Mary Poppins practically perfect? Brimming with heartwarming nostalgia, family favourite songs and a superb cast, the show is every bit as perfect as you can imagine.