Spectacular: Mary Poppins at The Palace Theatre

Monday 14 April

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of Mary Poppins embarks on a UK and Ireland Tour, and is flying to the Palace Theatre for 5 weeks only!

Elizabeth from our Kids Live @ 5 team went along to the press night and had a Practically Perfect time! Here’s her report…

On Friday, I was delighted to attend the press night of Mary Poppins at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

This incredible and heart-warming family musical was nothing short of Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious and certainly exceed my expectations!

The stage show is directed by Richard Eyre, and is based on the classic story by PL. Travers, later adapted into film by Disney in 1964.

The story centres around the Banks family, with children Jane and Michael in desperate need for a Nanny who will stay for longer than a week.

Mary Poppins fly’s into their lives, and grants them with eye-opening knowledge that Anything can happen if you let it and allows them to see the world with joy and colour.

Stefanie Jones delivers an exceptional performance as Mary Poppins, with impeccable vocality throughout the show, and her characterisation truly coming alive in excellently choreographed ensemble numbers, Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious and Step in Time.

Jack Chambers authentic portrayal of Bert had me captivated from beginning to end, completely engaged in his bubbly charming character. His performance specifically in Step in Time was outstanding, with excellent tap ability paired with strong vocalisation.

Michael D. Xavier truly embodied his role of George Banks, initially with his poised strict persona which we see deteriorate into a loving father to Jane and Michael; his performance was commendable.

Lucie-Mae Sumner shone through her role as Winifred Banks, her vocal ability unmatched in ‘Being Mrs Banks.’

The show had an abundance of comedic one-liners which had the audience roaring with laughter specifically from Charlie Donald as Michael Banks, who truly stepped
into his role and accompanied by Katie Ryden, the pair played convincing witty siblings.

However, the most memorable character in the show, for me, was Robertson Ay which was flawlessly covered by Jacob Ritzema. His comedic timing and physicality around Mrs Brill were impeccable, he truly stole the show.

The show is filled with infamous well-known songs by The Sherman Brothers: Chim
Chim Cher-ee, Lets go fly a kite, Feed the Birds; but also, newer adapted songs by
Stiles and Drew: Anything can happen, Precision and order, Practically perfect.

Both the original classics and newer additions were well executed by the cast withoutstanding harmonies and an overall exceptional vocal ability.

Overall, Mary Poppins delivered an enjoyable unforgettable experience, I highly recommend this show to all ages!

Images courtesy of Danny Kaan supplied by The Palace Theatre