3 days Ago
The world's most magical nanny is going to have to come up with another word to describe this simply spectacular show. If you've never seen it before, just go. If you have seen it, you know you want to go and see it again - it really is that good.
Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins (Picture: Danny Kaan) Based on the 1964 movie which has become a family favourite for several generations, this Cameron Mackintosh-Disney production is the ultimate example of how to take something special and make it even more precious. The ultimate supernanny Mary Poppins flies in to rescue the Banks family where father George works too hard and neglects his wife and two children. It's an old fashioned tale which has a surprising relevance to today, stressing the importance of love, family and being yourself.
At the heart of the show are two magnificent performances from Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert. The two Aussies must surely be two of their country's greatest exports. As Mary, Stefanie Jones is mesmerising.
She sings like an angel, her poise and posture emphasise her other-worldliness and there's also a sassiness there too. She dances like a dream - oh yes (spoiler alert), she also flies. Clearly every child in the audience falls in love with her instantly (and I suspect the bulk of the dads too would admit to having more than a slight crush).
Read also: Mary Poppins, Stefanie Jones - we know we're part of something special' Jack Chambers as Bert is the ultimate song and dance man with a touch of the Buster Keaton's thrown in for good measure. Clearly slightly in love with Mary, he's her perfect foil. There's one particular dance routine he does which will leave you open mouthed in astonishment at the audacity and sheer technical brilliance of it.
And for those who can never quite get Dick van Dyke's 'interesting' Cockney accent out of their heads, fear not he's got it right. Jack Chambers as Bert in Mary Poppins (Picture: Danny Kaan) One of the shows great strengths is the sheer depth of quality when it comes to the cast, there isn't a single weakness. Michael D Xavier as George Banks who, thanks to Mary Poppins, rediscovers the joy of having a wife and family is so believable; and Lucie-Mae Sumner as Winifred Banks has real personality and a great singing voice.
Rosemary Ashe as housekeeper Mrs Brill; Patti Boulaye as the Bird Lady and Wendy Ferguson as the nightmare-ish Miss Andrew - everyone is simply first rate. Special mention too for the two young actors playing Jane and Michael Banks, Katie Ryden and Charlie Donald on press night. So, so good.
But that's the same about the show. The production values for what is essentially a touring show are astonishing. The sets are amazing.
The Banks' house on Cherry Tree Lane emerges like the world's largest dolls house; the rooftops of London and the hallowed halls of the bank are things of beauty to behold. The cast of Mary Poppins (Picture: Danny Kaan) Both figuratively and literally this is a magical show. There are some illusions which will leave you scratching your head.
Mary Poppins pulling brooms and a giant pot plant from her seemingly empty bag; a kitchen which falls apart in finest panto fashion and a toy box that comes to life in a slightly creepy way. Precision and Order is one of the songs in the show. It could also be a maxim for the way the tiniest detail is handled.
From Bert doing a shift as a lamplighter to Mary snapping her fingers and something happening, the timing is impeccable. And the big set pieces are simply stunning. The transformation of a dull grey park into a technicolour dream world is amazing and the routine based around Supercalifragilistic .
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. will leave you breathless. This is a special show, it's a show with real heart and it's also surprisingly moving.
Make sure you don't miss out. 'Practically Perfect in every way' sings the divine Mary P at one point. Actually, you're doing the show a disservice - its perfection.
Mary Poppins is at the Palace until Saturday, May 17. Details from www.atgtickets.
com.
