On Wednesday 23rd October 2019, Mary Poppins the musical returned to the Prince Edward Theatre, London. The show enjoyed a run here from 2004-2008, during which time it also opened on Broadway, before embarking on two UK tours, as well as one in the US and internationally. After learning of these many previous productions, I knew there must be something rather special about the show, and I was not let down in the slightest!
Mary Poppins the musical is a show full of incredible tricks, absolutely bonkers dance numbers, and pure joy. Whilst the story does depart from that of the beloved film slightly, the heart of it remains, allowing the audience to leave the theatre full of nostalgic happiness. All the old classic songs such as ‘Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Jolly Holiday’ and ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ are still there, alongside lovely new additions that add a whole new and exciting element to the story.
The talents displayed last night were nothing short of miraculous. The 37 strong cast was expertly led by Poppins veteran, Zizi Strallen in the titular role and Charlie Stemp as the lovable chimney sweep, Bert. The pair worked tremendously together, the chemistry between them already evident, even from the first preview! Strallen is incredible, playing the character with just the right amount of sharpness, wit and warmth that we have all come to know and love. Her classic, almost operatic voice blew me away on several occasions throughout the performance, leaving me in awe, with my jaw hanging on the floor!
Stemp absolutely shines in the role of Bert; it felt as if the character was made to be played by Charlie. Stemp is known for his incredible dance skills, and they are definitely used to full effect in this production! Songs such as ‘Step in Time’ had energy to them that in my experience, is seen very little on the stage. Stemp literally tap dances, on the ceiling, hanging upside down! I honestly cannot find the words to describe how amazing I found this, I nearly leapt from my seat in joy!
Whilst it’s not possible to mention everyone in this post, the whole cast were phenomenal. I literally couldn’t believe just how polished the production was, especially considering we went to the first preview showing! Special mentions must go to the children who played Jane and Michael Banks, portrayed last night by Adelaide Barham and Gabriel Payne, respectively, who were truly excellent. Their harmonies together and their comedic timing must be praised, all made ever more impressive by their ages!
Poppins is truly one of the best things I’ve seen on stage for a long time, yet of course, no show is without its faults. Some of the scenes felt much too scary for a children’s aimed Disney show, most notably the number in which a larger than life Punch the Puppet rises from the background and surrounds the Banks’ attic. In this scene, the Banks children are supposed to be scared into looking after their toys properly, but I personally found the scene to be a little Too Much. That said, the show on the whole is still an absolute marvel, and it in no way ruined it for me.
One change to the story that I personally adored was that of Mrs Banks. Played by the inimitable Amy Griffiths, Winifred Banks goes on a personal journey throughout the show, stating at the top of the show that she is happy to just be somebody's wife, and ending it by finding her inner strength and bursting out of the gender confines of the time by standing up to the Chairman of the bank. In my opinion, there is always room in a show for a cheeky feminist subplot, and I loved this addition.
Overall, Mary Poppins was an absolute triumph. The heartwarming messages, the out of this world dance numbers, the impeccable singing and the all round gorgeous performances come together to make a show that has a magic very rarely seen on the stage. I absolutely could not recommend it enough, and hope I can return to 17 Cherry Tree Lane before too long!
Mary Poppins is currently playing at the Prince Edward Theatre, London. Tickets are on sale until 29th March 2019, and can be purchased here: https://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/tickets/mary-poppins/#
Bertie
 |
The talents displayed last night were nothing short of miraculous. The 37 strong cast was expertly led by Poppins veteran, Zizi Strallen in the titular role and Charlie Stemp as the lovable chimney sweep, Bert. The pair worked tremendously together, the chemistry between them already evident, even from the first preview! Strallen is incredible, playing the character with just the right amount of sharpness, wit and warmth that we have all come to know and love. Her classic, almost operatic voice blew me away on several occasions throughout the performance, leaving me in awe, with my jaw hanging on the floor!
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| Stemp in Time |
Stemp absolutely shines in the role of Bert; it felt as if the character was made to be played by Charlie. Stemp is known for his incredible dance skills, and they are definitely used to full effect in this production! Songs such as ‘Step in Time’ had energy to them that in my experience, is seen very little on the stage. Stemp literally tap dances, on the ceiling, hanging upside down! I honestly cannot find the words to describe how amazing I found this, I nearly leapt from my seat in joy!
Whilst it’s not possible to mention everyone in this post, the whole cast were phenomenal. I literally couldn’t believe just how polished the production was, especially considering we went to the first preview showing! Special mentions must go to the children who played Jane and Michael Banks, portrayed last night by Adelaide Barham and Gabriel Payne, respectively, who were truly excellent. Their harmonies together and their comedic timing must be praised, all made ever more impressive by their ages!
Poppins is truly one of the best things I’ve seen on stage for a long time, yet of course, no show is without its faults. Some of the scenes felt much too scary for a children’s aimed Disney show, most notably the number in which a larger than life Punch the Puppet rises from the background and surrounds the Banks’ attic. In this scene, the Banks children are supposed to be scared into looking after their toys properly, but I personally found the scene to be a little Too Much. That said, the show on the whole is still an absolute marvel, and it in no way ruined it for me.
One change to the story that I personally adored was that of Mrs Banks. Played by the inimitable Amy Griffiths, Winifred Banks goes on a personal journey throughout the show, stating at the top of the show that she is happy to just be somebody's wife, and ending it by finding her inner strength and bursting out of the gender confines of the time by standing up to the Chairman of the bank. In my opinion, there is always room in a show for a cheeky feminist subplot, and I loved this addition.
Overall, Mary Poppins was an absolute triumph. The heartwarming messages, the out of this world dance numbers, the impeccable singing and the all round gorgeous performances come together to make a show that has a magic very rarely seen on the stage. I absolutely could not recommend it enough, and hope I can return to 17 Cherry Tree Lane before too long!
Mary Poppins is currently playing at the Prince Edward Theatre, London. Tickets are on sale until 29th March 2019, and can be purchased here: https://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/tickets/mary-poppins/#
Bertie
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