A wonderful family night out with this Disney classic perfectly brought to the stage at the Bristol Hippodrome
Wow, what a show! If you need an uplift, a reason to smile or just a wonderful family night out, then Mary Poppins at The Bristol Hippodrome is the perfect tonic.
Based on the superclassic Disney tale of the practically perfect nanny who comes into the lives of the Banks family in Edwardian London, here’s a slight modified version that retains so many of the classic parts of the film, while also adding in a few well style extras.
Front and centre is Stefania Jones at Mary Poppins, portraying the heroine with real warmth and charm, the sort of nanny that all children – of a certain period and standing – would dream of to be their nanny. Stefania just perfectly hits the spot in combining Mary Poppins strict rules with a desire for children to enjoy life and discover the magic that lives around them.
However, this most magical of nanny’s really comes to life when in the company of Bert, the sometimes painter, sometimes chimney sweep, and clearly a long time friend of Poppins. Jack Chambers is just wonderful in this role, full of charm, a stunning dancer and a 100W smile, the stage lights up when the two leads appear together. They are an absolute treat.
The thing is, the same can actually be said of the whole ensemble. This is faultless theatre that lifts that whole audience with a joyfulness and glee that is impossible to miss. The acting is pinpoint perfect, the sets full of fun and the choreography by none other than Matthew Bourne. Just WOW!
In fact, while there’s so much to enjoy, it’s the set pieces that almost steal the show, and none more so than Step In Time, with a roof full of chimney sweeps, plus Ms Poppins, setting the London rooftops alight with an energy and showmanship that is dazzling. Wow, what a treat!
Throughout the cast takes on the roles with clear affection and real skill. There’s Michael D Xavier as the pompous, hardworking but ultimately caring George Banks, with Lucie-Mae Sumner as his wife Winifred Banks, plus – on our performance – the incredible Florence Swann as Jane and Charlie Donald as Michael. In addition, Wendy Ferguson at the wicked Nanny Miss Andrews gives the audience a wonderfully horrible figure to boo and hiss, while crikey, that’s Patti Boulaye (ask your mum) in the iconic role of the old lady singing “Feed the birds, tuppence a bag…”
Yes, I absolutely loved this wonderful, uplifting, delightful performance. In fact, you could say it was supercali… well, you know the rest!
Mary Poppins plays at the Bristol Hippodrome until 30 November. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome