Umbrella? Check. A magic bag? Check. A jaw-dropping night out at the theatre? 100%!
Last night, we swapped bedtime stories for a magical evening at Birmingham Hippodrome, and it was brilliant. A full five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had the absolute joy of watching Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins as a family. Myself and Jemima sat together with wide eyes and dropped jaws throughout, while my husband and Matilda sat just across the aisle. Despite sitting apart, we all came away saying the same: it was perfect in every way, no practically about it.
If you’ve never seen Mary Poppins before (or just need a little reminder), it’s all about a rather extraordinary nanny who quite literally floats into the lives of the Banks family and turns everything upside down, in the best way. Set on Cherry Tree Lane in London, the story follows Jane and Michael Banks, two children in need of a bit of guidance (and a lot of fun), and their parents, who are each trying to hold it together in their own way. Mary arrives with her umbrella, bottomless bag (how do all those things come out of it?), and more than a spoonful of magic to help out, at least until the wind changes.
Everything about this show worked, the magic, the scenery and staging, the music, but a special highlight needs to go to the cast who were flawless.
Stefanie Jones was the perfect casting as Mary Poppins. Elegant, mysterious, and endlessly charming. Just the right touch of sternness paired with warmth, with vocals that were pitch-perfect throughout.
Jack Chambers, as Bert, brought a great energy to the stage, combining charisma, dancing, and a loveable cheekiness that had me grinning every time he tapped into view. His chimney-sweeping tap routine in the production is one you will really enjoy.
Michael D. Xavier gave a deeply felt performance as George Banks, portraying his emotional journey with subtlety and strength, while Sarah-Marie Maxwell shone as Winifred Banks, adding warmth, depth, and a beautiful vocal to the role.
A special mention for the Banks children: Oliver Benson as Michael and Olive Harrison as Jane were brilliant – confident, cheeky, and completely at home on stage, absolute naturals! Young talent that I imagine we will be seeing for many years to come! Well done!
Rosemary Ashe gave us many giggles as the no-nonsense Mrs Brill, and Wendy Ferguson was rather terrifying (in a fun way) as the strict Miss Andrew. Patti Boulaye’s rendition of Feed the Birds as the Bird Woman is one of those goosebump moments. Beautifully sang. Possibly my favourite musical bit.
This production includes a live orchestra under the baton of Isaac McCullough. With instruments ranging from flute and clarinet to harmonica and even a flugelhorn, it’s a music lovers’ dream accompaniment to the show.
Musical highlights for me, included Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Let’s Go Fly a Kite, and of course, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious – which was, honestly, supercalifragilisticexpiali-STUNNING.
The set changes are swift and seamless (so much thought must have gone into these), capturing the wonder of Poppins’ world. From kitchen magic to rooftop dance numbers, this is a show that just keeps on giving. Credit to Resident Director Alexander Sims for keeping the energy and pacing spot-on.
The creative casting by Felicity French, Paul Wooller, and Lily Caisley brought together an ensemble that absolutely clicks. Every performer bringing their a-game to the stage.
What makes this show so special isn’t just the iconic songs or the jaw-dropping stage design, it’s how it brings generations together. Whether you’re five or seventy-five, there’s something magical waiting for you in this production. The joy, the laughter, the Disney magic, it’s all there, and more.
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets (or are thinking of booking some), you’re in for a treat.
Catch Mary Poppins at Birmingham Hippodrome until 23rd August.
Book tickets here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/mary-poppins/
Don’t miss your chance to step into the magic – because sometimes, even grown-ups need reminding that anything can happen if you let it.
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