Mary Poppins

Birmingham Hippodrome

Runs until 23^rd August

***** SUPER SUMMER SPECTACULAR”

Christmas has come early to the Birmingham Hippodrome, the Disney classic flies in for a month, and is a real holiday treat. Don’t miss it.

It is an ambitious challenge for Cameron Mackintosh and Disney to transform the beloved movie to a mega stage musical, but this they do and achieve in spades. In addition, they manage to blend in the different shades of the story highlighted in the original PL Travers novel but somewhat sweetened in the film version. The result is a rather special summer treat for the West Midlands, a production high in values, set changes and memorable special effects. It is a touring production of the highest quality both technically and artistically courtesy of some high-class performances. The set designs from Cherry Tree Lane to a city bank are stunning coupled with dazzling costumes and some bright and breezy music supervision, the result is a platform for performers they could only dream for. The new musical numbers are a welcome addition but in truth the original Sherman numbers still shine like stars.

The Australians have landed powerfully. Jack Chambers as Bert can just about do it all. Sing, dance, act and walk on the ceiling. Not a bad contribution. He does it all with humour and considerable charm. He is accompanied on his trip from Oz by Stefanie Jones as the perfect Mary Poppins. She flies head and shoulders above the rest with a hugely watchable and keenly crafted performance. A Poppins for the new generation that will remain long in the memory.

The hard-working children earned their warm appreciation from the packed auditorium as did Michael Xavier as George Banks, a fresh, physical, and peppery portrayal.

A jolly summer holiday treat awaits, get yourself settled in comfortably, it is not a short show, but the flight is first class all the way.

David Robinson