Written by Gabrielle Wilkinson
Braving the autumn and winter winds, Mary Poppins continues her flight into various theatres around the United Kingdom on her UK and Ireland Tour, which will come to an end on the 31st January.
Starring Stefanie Jones as the marvellous Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as the lovable Bert, the musical follows the arrival of everybody’s favourite unconventional nanny to 17 Cherry Tree Lane, the home of the Banks Family. Mary Poppins turns their world upside down with her magical mischief, accompanied by her dear friend Bert, in this enthralling spin on the classic story by P.L. Travers.
Carrying on the legacy established by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in the globally adored Disney film is an immense pressure to live up to, yet Jones and Chambers deliver with ease. Jones embodies Mary Poppins through her strict but kind persona with every step calculated to perfection. Chambers is the epitome of Bert, a gentleman with an infectious and cheerful outlook on life. Featuring a mix of hits from Richard and Robert Sherman including ‘Feed the Birds’, ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ and ‘Step in Time’, as well as new songs by the Olivier Award-winning George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, it is not hard to see why the musical is a smashing success.
‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ transports the audience from the gloomy streets of London to a picturesque park splashed with colour. A wide array of bright flowers and dazzling dresses lights up the stage, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. Sipping tea and scrumptious cake, Mary and Bert engage in a charming conversation, before a glowing dance routine with the Banks children gets the audience clapping along to the hit tune.
A London night sky illuminated with stars is the perfect setting to introduce the energetic ‘Step in Time’. With a haunting chorus of chimney sweeps, Jack Chambers shows off his tap-dancing talent before climbing up the stage and dancing upside down! Patti Boulaye also lives up to her reputation as a West End Legend as she breathes life into the beloved character of The Bird Lady. The soft melody of ‘Feed the Birds’ slows the chaotic fun of the show down to deliver a calming melody that teases with your heartstrings.
Ending with the Banks Family flying a kite together, Mary Poppins’ job is complete and she flies through the crowd in a moment that can only be described as pure magic.
After an entrancing experience, viewers can extend the joy and fly over to the merch table that is spoiling audiences with its selection. Whether it’s a replica umbrella, a makeup bag, a magnet, or your very own Mary Poppins teddy bear to remember the day by, there is something for everybody!
Tickets start from £20, and you do not need stall seats to have a practically perfect view. To book tickets, visit https://marypoppins.co.uk/.
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