Mary Poppins is practically perfect, as is the production at the Bristol Hippodrome.
The production has a compelling history.
Cameron Mackintosh approached Pamela Travers, the author of the original books, and suggested a musical based on the books rather than the plot of the Disney movie.
Travers’ contentious dealings with Walt Disney were shown in the film Saving Mr Banks.
She was keen for more of Mary’s story to be told and saw the theatrical production as a way for this to happen.
Many subplots from the first three Poppins novels come to life here.
The cast are universally great.
Mary is of course the star of the production, ably played by Stefanie Jones. Many of the show’s best parts revolved around her. Her first appearance was one of the highlights.
Jack Chambers was fantastic as Bert too. Without spoiling the surprise, His tap-dancing scene was one of the best things I have seen in a stage show.
The Children played by Florence Swann (as Jane) and Charlie Donald (Michael) both produced impressive performances.
The supporting cast all did a great job, but personal highlights were Sonia Swaby as Mrs Corry,

The oldest woman alive according to the books, and Yujin Park as Neleus the statue.

As a Bristolian I picked up on a nod towards the look of the nearby statue of Poseidon. This forms part of my favourite sub-plot.
As in the books the Story of Mr and Mrs Banks features more heavily here.
Michael D Xavier and Lucie-Mae Sumner produce surprisingly moving performances as the Banks. I was also moved by the very relevant political touches in the scenes at Mr Banks’ work.
The production itself was spectacular.
The orchestration was pretty much the best I have ever heard, and the set design and mechanics of the scene changes were great too.
Overall, this was a fantastic evening with magical performances.
You will believe a nanny can fly!

Mary Poppins will be flying at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday, November 30.

Online tickets from £15 plus transaction fee of £3.95 from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mary-poppins/bristol-hippodrome/
 

Review: Andy Bollan

Photos: Top Danny Kaan then Matt Crockett