When a famous musical combines with the magic and majesty of Disney, the result can only be success – and this new production of Mary Poppins certainly is. The unforgettable experience combines memorable songs, sharp choreography, and incredible special effects. All credit too for the Alhambra in securing a five-week engagement for the show in Bradford’s year in the limelight as UK City of Culture.
Many people have a lasting memory of a musical from their childhood. Mine is Mary Poppins, with songs such as Spoonful of Sugar, Feed the Birds and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious sounding as timeless as ever. There are even some new numbers added to the original score that seamlessly fit into this stage adaptation.
A clean sweep for Bradford fans
Set in Edwardian London on Cherry Tree Lane, the story begins as banker George Banks (Michael D Xavier) and his wife Winifred (Lucie-Mae Sumner) are on the lookout for a new nanny to look after their two unruly children, Michael and Jane. The kids are played here by Oli Manning and Connie Jones – two youngsters who have great careers ahead of them in the theatre world. They’re mischievous and full of youthful energy.
When the newly recruited nanny, Mary Poppins (Stefanie Jones), arrives, she aims to bring order into the household, but her task is not as easy as it may seem. Armed with a bag of tricks that contains a coat stand amongst other surprises, Jones never tries to precisely replicate the role Julie Andrews portrayed in the original film. Instead, she adds to the part and delights the audience with grace and charm, tempered with authority – as the song in the musical aptly says, she is ‘practically perfect’.
Michael D Xavier’s performance as the father who cannot control his children seems rather like Basil Fawlty, with similar mannerisms to the John Cleese character. As the storyline progresses in the second half, he becomes more likeable and more relaxed – you will discover the reason for this if you decide to see this entertaining show.
The real star of this West End-style musical is chimneysweep Bert (Jack Chambers). He lights up the stage whenever he appears – the sequence where the Step in Time routine is performed is one of the many highlights of the evening. With split second timing, the dancing is faultless, Chambers’ tap dancing makes Riverdance look like child’s play. His world is turned upside down in more ways than one by his affection for Mary Poppins.
Special mention too for the nasty nanny, Miss Andrew (Wendy Ferguson), who briefly takes over looking after the children when Mary Poppins decides to fly away – in more ways than one!
Anything can happen at the Alhambra
With special effects galore, a heart-warming storyline, songs that you will be humming days later and a superb cast, this is a show that I could easily see again. The audience on the night was locked spellbound throughout the show, with neither a cough heard nor a sweet wrapper rustled. The standing ovation at the end of the performance was well earned.
Sweeter than a spoonful of sugar, this uplifting new version of an old film favourite will make you smile – in the most delightful way.
Mary Poppins runs until Sunday 29 June, with matinee and evening performances.
