“Sumptuously Magical “
***** 5 Stars
Legendary writer P.L Travers enduring literary legacy is her collection of stories featuring the greatest nanny in the world, Mary Poppins! First appearing in a short story nearly a century ago in 1926. The character was taken to children’s hearts thanks to her first novel published in 1934. It was that novel that Walt Disney pursued Travers for nearly two decades to acquire the film rights. Disney finally succeeded and the Disney motion picture of Mary Poppins was released in 1964. Travers deplored the film adaptation and her treatment by Disney. In 1993 Cameron Mackintosh began talks with Travers, then 93, to discuss a Stage adaptation of her most famous creation. Sadly Travers wouldn’t live to see Mary take to the stage in 2004 when the show premiered at the Bristol Hippodrome before transferring to the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End.
It’s this sumptuously magical production which calls at the Festival Theatre for a lengthy run as part of its UK tour and what a treat for the young and old alike it is. The musical draws more from the books rather than the film adaptation however it does feature much of the original music and lyrics from the film by the Sherman brothers alongside new songs and additional music and lyrics from George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Featuring a book by Julian Fellowes this is a musical that’s practically perfect in every possible plausible way!.
Performances across the board are universally excellent a forty strong ensemble company shine every moment there on stage and are lead in fabulous style by Stefanie Jones as ”Mary Poppins”, she perfectly captures her own unique take on the character blending sternness with a loving heart and glorious voice to boot. Jack Chambers is charm personified as “Bert” a delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance and boy can he dance as can the entire company as they deliver Sir Matthew Bourne’s exquisite Choreography. Michael D. Xavier brings a gifted touch to the role of “George Banks” and plays well against Lucie – Mae Summer’s “Winifred Banks”. Special mention must go to Patti Boulaye as “Bird Woman” she perfectly captures the heart rending character coupled with the most beautiful of voices it’s truly a moment to treasure.
Production wise the show is a triumph through and through! Bob Crowley’ scenic and costume design is everything you could want and more and perfectly captures the world of cherry tree lane and far beyond. This is boosted by Hugh Vanstone’s luscious lighting design which is pure west end and so much more. Paul Gatehouse’s sound design is excellent perfectly balancing the excellent twelve strong pit orchestra under the direction of Issac McCullough with the onstage performers and ensures the vivacious score is heard in all its splendour. The heart of Mary Poppins is magic and Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer’s Illusions leave the audience gasping in wonderment they really are that good, you need to keep eyes not just on stage but around the auditorium just to take them all in.
Director Richard Eyre (who co directs with Matthew Bourne) has delivered the most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious of productions that charms the audiences from start to finish and showcases beautifully the art form of musical theatre and that’s why its playing to sold out houses, so head to the Festival Theatre for tickets for the ultimate spoon full of sugar before Mary flies away for good! And enjoy the ultimate musical theatre treat!
Cameron Macintosh and Disney Presents, Mary Poppins, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh runs until Saturday 15th February for more information and tickets go to: Mary Poppins
The Production will tour the UK throughout 2025 and into 2026.
ScotsGay Arts 