Carmel ThomasonThere’s nothing like a bit of sun to lift the spirits. So, as Spring arrives, it feels there couldn’t be a better time for Mary Poppins to fly into Manchester and blow away any last wisps of winter cobwebs.
This stage musical, from Cameron Mackintosh and Disney, is now in its 20th year. If you’ve seen it before you know what an amazing spectacle of a show it is. This time around it is equally wonderful, and I can’t recommend it highly enough – it is one of the best stage productions you are likely to see.
Julian Fellowes’ book is a mix of PL Travers original story and the 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews, who gets a nod in Mr Banks old nanny, ‘Miss Andrew’. Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman’s famous songs are all there, and with a live band become real showstoppers – Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious becomes a riotous hit that has you thinking, if this is only the interval what’s to come next?
There are some new songs from George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, which fit in seamlessly. One is called, ‘Practically Perfect’ and this show definitely is.
Who’s playing Mary Poppins? Well in many ways a recognisable big name doesn’t matter, because this is one of those rare shows where the character is the star. That said, the actor must make us believe in her, and it is testament to Stefanie Jones talent that she embodies Mary Poppins with such energy, the audience is under her spell from the start. And not just children – adults spontaneously cheer and wave as she flies overhead.
When Jones is on the stage you can’t look anywhere else – she mesmerises with wit and mischief. We can well believe her favourite sugared spoonful is rum punch flavour, and we like her that way. Just like the Banks’ children we feel like we have entered another world and, wherever it is, it is fabulous!
Everything about the production draws us in, from Bob Crowley’s sketchbook inspired sets to Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear’s dazzling choreography. Mary Poppins brings with her plenty of magic too, brought to life by illusionists Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer.
Jack Chambers tap dancing upside-down as chimney-sweep Bert is worth the ticket price alone. Chambers, easy humour and megawatt smile, make him the perfect sidekick for Poppins. He’s a natural comic with the kids and a dream of a dancer.
Both Jones and Chambers are reprising their roles for this tour, having received critical acclaim in the recent Australian production. Their strong rapport gives an already brilliant show that extra sparkle.
There are several children playing Jane and Michael Banks throughout the run. On Friday we saw, Katie Ryden and Charlie Donald – both were terrific. There is not a weak spot in this cast and there are lots of them.
Mary Poppins helps us see the damp, grey streets of London (and Manchester) in glorious technicolour. Catch her before the wind changes and sweeps her off to the next city in need of a lift.
Mary Poppins is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester from 9 April – 17 May 2025 before continuing on tour.
Steve Timms
Martin Thomasson
