Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the worlds favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.
The timeless score includes the classic songs by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman including ‘Jolly holiday’, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and ‘Feed the birds’ with some new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Oliver award-wining British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
The cosy, middle-class Edwardian madhouse of Cherry Tree Lane has slightly changed since the original film in 1964. The two kids Michael and Jane Banks still run amok. Mr Banks the punctilious Edwardian dad who works in finance, is still a loveable stiff. His wife Winifred still has flustered charm, as the practically perfect Mary Poppins comes to the rescue, after a long line of nannies are sent packing by her feral offspring.
The story line as expected is the same as the original 1964 film. Mary Poppins is the no- nonsense nanny who arrives in the Banks household as if by magic, where the family has lost its way. George Banks is too busy with his job in the city to notice his children, Jane and Michael, are out of control and his wife has lost her identity. The themes are universal with a father pre-occupied with his job, a mother struggling to find herself and a chaotic household in need of some order.
Mary Poppins played by Stefanie Jones had a huge task being on stage for the majority of the show. Jones played this role wonderfully, and was truly believable bringing the role of Mary Poppins to life in her character, both her acting and singing ability did her proud.
Bert played by Jack Chambers was also a very energetic and leading role. Chambers played this role with such precision and energy bought to life in the well-known dancing and singing numbers.
The children Michael and Jane Banks played by Charlie Donald and Katie Ryden were both adorable and truly believable in their roles. Their portrayal of Michael and Jane in their acting abilities at such a young age was an absolute delight to watch.
George Banks played by Michael D Xavier reminded me of Basil Fawlty. Xavier played this role to a tee being the strong willed and disciplined father as he was bought up. But then as a certain magic came over him, his ideals and portrayal of being a father changed for the better and much delight of his children.
Also worth a mention was Mrs Banks played by Luci-Mae Sumner who played the tiresome wife of George Banks. Her frustrations and lack of self-belief and then her joy of being bought back to life in such a better place was well portrayed in both her acting and singing abilities.
The house opened up like a pop-up book to reveal the front living room whilst as the house was turned around revealed the kitchen, with suspended scenery for the children’s bedroom.
The grey park was transformed into a jungle of flowers of so many different colours with statues that came to life dancing around the stage with such procession.
The incredible dance numbers amongst all the colour, light and spectacle, bought across some beautiful messages and gave us such positive thoughts, to consider others and look past what you see.
The show was spectacle and visually entrancing. It was full of magical moments that were created through the whole cast with the advanced scenery changes, and lighting techniques that were a delight to watch unfold.
The production runs from 21st May to 29th June 2025.
Reviewer - Debbie Jennings
23rd May 2025
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