Birmingham Hippodrome – until 23rd August 2025
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s epic production of Mary Poppins flew into Birmingham Hippodrome this week for a six-week run. The show brings together elements of the novel by P.L Travers and the 1964 Disney film. Directed by Richard Eyres and Matthew Bourne, with a book by Julian Fellowes. The show includes all the classic songs by The Sherman Brothers that are featured in the film, plus new songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
The show tells the story of the Banks Family of Cherry Tree Lane, London. George Banks (Michael D.Xavier) and Winifred Banks (Sarah-Marie Maxwell) are struggling to find a suitable nanny for their two children, Jane (Olive Harrison) and Michael (Oliver Benson). As if by magic, Mary Poppins (Stefanie Jones) appears and turns their lives upside down. Mary and her friend Bert (Jack Chambers) take the children on magical adventures through parks with dancing statutes, over the rooftops of London and a magical shop to purchase the letters to a very familiar and very special word! The children in this performance were brilliant, and bounced well off their adult co-stars. Olive Harrison and Oliver Benson repeatedly gave a scene-stealing performance.
Touring productions often have a smaller cast, but Mary Poppins has a much larger ensemble of performers and understudies. Alongside the main characters, Mrs Brill (Rosemary Ashe), Robertson Ay (Ruairidh McDonald), Mrs Corry (Sharon Wattis) and the Bird Woman (Patti Boulaye) all impress in their roles. Michael D.Xavier perfectly captures a stern, but ultimately vulnerable Mr Banks, especially during scenes with the terrifying Mrs Andrew (Wendy Ferguson). Sarah-Marie Maxwell’s portrayal of the disenchanted Mrs Banks was beautifully played, especially during the touching ‘Being Mrs Banks’. Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers are sublime as Mary and Bert. Both wowed the crowd with their gravity-defying moments during the show.
Set Designer Bob Crowley’s folding ‘Doll House’ set becomes almost a character in its own right. It swiftly and sleekly changes from the frontage of Cherry Tree Lane, to the bedroom of the Banks children, to the rooftop of the house. Each different room setting was filled with clever little details, especially the kitchen set where cupboard doors and drawers magically opened and closed. Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer’s awe-inspiring illusions throughout the show drew gasps from adults and children alike. As soon as I saw Mary Poppins reaching into her famous carpet bag, I waited to see what she would pull out of there, and it did not disappoint.
The choreography by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear was breathtaking throughout, especially the scenes with dancing statues and their balletic graceful movements, especially Cameron Thomas Jones as the delightful Neleus. I wondered if a production of this size would translate well to a UK tour, but my concerns were eased within the first few minutes. This show brings together all the magic, special effects and large-scale production values of a West End show.
Mary Poppins proclaims herself to be “Practically perfect in every way” and I have to wholeheartedly agree! The show is the perfect spellbinding spectacular for all the family this summer. Grab your tickets before the wind changes…. or before 23rd August!!!