Mary Poppins - Milton Keynes Theatre

The world’s favourite nanny flies into Milton Keynes Theatre for four magical weeks, with performances running from Wed 29 October to Sat 22 November.  Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs: Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and Feed the Birds.

For those who don’t know the story, It about the Banks family.  George is a banker and very serious with no real time to spend with his children.  His wife, Winifred, feels she struggles to be the perfect wife and just wants her husband to hear his children.  They need a nanny but the children are not all sweetness and light.  What they need is Mary Poppins.  Mary Poppins is a perfect blend of firm yet kind.  She sees what the family doesn’t see.  Her friend and chimney sweep, Bert who knows the magic Mary brings.  Let’s hope the wind doesn’t change anytime soon.

Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins is completely outstanding.  She took my breath away.  She fits the brief perfectly.  I truly believe she just flew into the audition for this role.  Think what they are looking for:

If you want this choice position, Have a cheery disposition.

Rosy cheeks, no warts!  Play games, all sorts.

You must be kind, you must be witty, Very sweet and fairly pretty.

Take us on outings, give us treats 

Sing songs, bring sweets.

It’s hard to imagine someone other than Julie Andrews playing Mary but Stefanie is practically perfect in the role. I loved everything about her.  Jack Chambers as Bert is funny, warm and charming, even when covered in soot.  His cockney accent is on point and you cant help but love him.  You feel you already know him and like him. Jack is everything you want in Bert.

Patti Boulaye is the Bird Woman until Sun 16 November.  She is fabulous and makes the role her own.  From Tue 18 Nov onwards, international recording artist and actress Lyn Paul will take over the role. (Lyn Paul is the reason I love Blood Brothers so I am sure she will also be remarkable).

George Banks is played by Michael D Xavier who gives a lovely range of going from a strong bossy strict type to a dad who wants to put his children first.  We are willing him to love his children so never dislike his character but just wish he would get there faster.  Winifred Banks is played by Lucie-Mae Sumner and she is wonderful as the wife who hasn’t quite found her position in life.  I felt sorry for her when she works so hard for a gathering and no one turns up.  Tonight, Jane Banks is played by Connie Jones who is a little Emma Watson in the making.  Her diction is perfect and she is going to be a star.  Michael Banks is played by Oli Manning who has funny bones and his comic timing is so good he gets ripples of laughter from the audience.

The sets are phenomenal.  When the house stands out of the set which feels very 2-D its very clever and unexpected.  The park comes alive and really feels like a park and even the kitchen scene (a spoonful of sugar) is memorable.  But the two visions I took home is step in time with the silhouettes’ of the London sky and Bert walking over them.  And I have to say the children’s bedroom where the toys come to life is not only scary but very memorable with a huge Punch puppet over the whole house and the toy box toys are nothing like Toy Story, but instead really scary.  This is probably why there is a strict no under 5 age policy.

The magic is incredible.  I love Mary Poppins bag.  My adult brain knows how its done, but the child in me gasps in awe of the magic of pulling a hat stand out of a carpet bag.  And Mary Poppins flying over our heads is so special.  I love the scene in Jolly Holiday when they jump into a painting.  The sets have again been first rate and the colour that comes to life along with the statues in the park is just astonishing.  Mary Poppins is truly a sight to behold.

And don’t forget the merchandise.  It’s the best array of merch I have ever seen.  You can buy an umbrella and a fascinator to become your own Mary Poppins.  There are blankets, Pens, pads, key rings, badges, hoodies, teddies…something for everyone.

The wind isn’t forcast to change until 22 November so spit spot, get yourselves a ticket to Mary Poppins at Milton Keynes Theatre. It's a practically perfect performance.