The bewitching tale of Mary Poppins has captivated audiences all over the world. From the classic Disney film in 1964, to the novels of Australian-born writer P.L Travers, this story about a magical woman that floats in on an umbrella and fixes everything is the ultimate source of comfort. And now, the glorious stage adaptation, seen by millions of people worldwide, has returned to Melbourne to entertain a new generation of audiences. Mary Poppins the musical is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Mary Poppins
Take a journey to Cherry Tree Lane in London, and follow this familiar story about a magical nanny. While she is meant to take care of the mischievous Banks children, Jane and Michael, she ultimately helps the entire family rediscover their love for one another through a series of surreal adventures. Joining her for the ride is the carefree Bert, who helps the children in his own way.
The Mary Poppins musical is produced by Cameron Mackintosh, The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand and Michael Cassel Group. You’ll find plenty of familiar songs from the Disney movie, including Jolly Holiday, Feed the Birds, Step in Time and of course, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. But, you’ll find some new songs from Olivier award-winning team George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. These new tunes, such as Practically Perfect, Playing the Game and Anything Can Happen, keeps things refreshing, and helps stay true to the original stories by Travers.
While the music will delight your ears, the sheer scale of the sets, props and choreography will dazzle your eyes. The show features an astounding amount of practical effects, bringing the magic of Mary Poppins to life in delightful and surprising ways. Watch her pull seemingly impossibly-large items out of her carpet bag, gaze in awe as a large puppet comes to life and see furniture zip across the stage.
The choreography itself is outstanding, with plenty of surreal dance sequences that will take you to enchanting places. The stand-out moment will take you on a gravity-defying journey, when Bert, played by Jack Chambers, dances upside down.
The entire cast shines in this production. Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins is simply radiant. Her vocals are flawless, and she wonderfully captures Mary’s no-nonsense, poised mannerisms. Chambers as Bert adds a comforting and friendly presence. He’s a tremendously skilled dancer, not just when he’s upside down, but in all other scenes of the show. The roles of the Banks children are shared by eight adorable and talented young performers, and definitely steal each scene they’re in.
No matter your age, you’ll have a dreamy time at this musical.