MARY POPPINS - Palace Theatre, Manchester (25/04/25)

Decades later, it is still very much a jolly holiday with Mary

Over 60 years after the beloved Oscar-winning film's first release, and 90 years since P. L. Travers' first book was published, "Mary Poppins" in her various guises still continues to delight and astound audiences the world over, perhaps none more so than the 2004 stage musical; with music and lyrics by Richard and Robert Sherman, additional content by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles, and a book by Julian Fellowes, the magic is still very much alive. Mary Poppins is a timeless tale that has been adored by many across the globe for generations, and continues to find new and excitable audiences today as Britain's favourite nanny returns to theatres once more, in this new touring production that is still, quite simply, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. And yes, this is a word that appears in the dictionary!

Set in 1910s London, the enigmatic nanny Mary Poppins descends from the sky, and into the lives of the Banks family to answer their call for a new nanny, but what they aren't prepared for is how she will change all of their lives forever. The iconic Shermam Brothers score is brought to life magnificently through Richard Eyre's effortless direction, and the new musical content by Drewe and Stiles seamlessly weaves itself into the fabric of this stunning stage adaptation, now in its 21st year of life. And whilst there is often the accusation of style over substance when it comes to Disney, as evidenced by the stunning visual palate, Poppins is certainly jam packed full of life, heart and soul, as well as an overall message that even today is enormously relevant.

Jack Chambers as Bert, Stefanie Jones as Mary (credit: Daniel Boud)

Whilst the trajectory of the narrative may differ to what one may be used to, especially if you are a fan of the film, the core story of the titular nanny caring for Jane and Michael Banks, and their parents' journey to better understand and bond with their children, remains the same. The more sincere sentimental moments, though rather typically schmaltzy, as has become synonymous with a lot of Disney media, still hit all the right notes emotionally, as we end up feeling greatly for these characters, especially young Jane and Michael. Conversely the big ensemble numbers, again typical of the franchise, do not do things in half measures, as we were treated to some thrilling, show stopping moments, with "Step in time" a particularly rip roaring, all singing, all dancing extravaganza that had everyone in a rapturous ovation.

Taking on the role of Mary this time round is established Australian leading lady Stefanie Jones, fresh from leading the national tour of Mary Poppins in her home country. Authoritative and terrifically witty, with soaring soprano vocals that reach the upper echelons of the Palace Theatre, Jones shows us in absolute spades why she is such a sought after young performer. Opposite her as Bert the cheeky chimney sweep (among other professions) is fellow Aussie actor Jack Chambers, who opens the show with an air of enigma and plenty of charisma. Throw into the mix his delightful dancing feet, and it's safe to say Chambers will charm your socks off.

The company of Mary Poppins (credit: Daniel Boud)

Michael Xavier really is a master at portraying the circumspect, slightly caricaturish, yet steadily softening patriarch, his take on Banks family father figure George is beautifully measured, as he provides a poignant insight into the character's troubled history, which in many ways acts as the crux of this story. His long suffering wife Winifred is played with an endearing solemnity by Lucie-Mae Sumner, and the pair draw us in with their fractured but still evidently amorous relationship, if only very subtly at first. We begin feeling a little sad for them, and in the end are completely infatuated by their chemistry.

Though every performer out there could have a paragraph dedicated to them, we have to highlight Patti Boulaye's bird woman, though her stage time is limited, we as an audience hang on her every word, as she presents a humble character who is perhaps the epitome of "don't judge a book by its cover". And what an ensemble with which this production has treated us, soaring chorus vocals and fabulously fleet footed choreography, there wasn't a single weak link in this cast, all tied together by the efforts of the stunning 13-piece orchestra, under the direction by Isaac McCullough. Mary is back, and just as practically perfect as she's always been, you won't want to miss this delightfully endearing production.

★★★★☆

"Mary Poppins" runs at the Palace Theatre until the 17th of May, and continues to tour the UK into 2026.