Practically Perfect – Mary Poppins Review
Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins Wows Fans in Milton Keynes
As a child I was spellbound by the Disney film adaptation of P L Travers’ book Mary Poppins and on Friday night I was spellbound once again by Cameron Mackintosh’s stage musical interpretation.
It is not an overstatement to say that it was up there with the best shows I have seen. The score, the choreography, the vocals and the enchanting performances together with remarkable set design and truly magical moments left me wishing it wouldn’t end. Anyone who relates to dragging a reluctant husband to another ‘we must see this’ show will realise how remarkable it is to hear “that was brilliant”.
Leading the company are Australian stars Stefanie Jones who perfectly epitomises Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers playing Bert, having previously starred in the Australian production. We were fortunate to catch Patti Boulaye playing the role of Bird Woman until 16th November. The cast is also led by Michael D. Xavier as George Banks which has something of Basil Fawlty about his delivery, Lucie-Mae Sumner as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe as Mrs Brill, Wendy Ferguson as Miss Andrew. Notable from all were incredible vocals.
A special mention for Connie Jones and Oli Manning who played Jane and Michael Banks respectively, who delivered brilliant performances with impeccable comic timing.
The choreography (Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear) was dazzling and the highlights, Step In Time and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious were a feast for the eyes.
Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 million people have witnessed the magic worldwide, with the production having been translated into 13 languages.
It is on at Milton Keynes Theatre until 22nd November see it if you can. In the words of Michael Banks “she’s bloody good”.
Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.
