Mary Poppins at Theatre Royal Plymouth Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Laura B

Mary Poppins flew into Devon tonight ‘with a spoon full of sugar’ and swept Plymouth off their feet with a standing ovation as the curtain went down at the Theatre Royal.

The last time I fell in love with Mary Poppins was in the 1960s as a small child at the cinema. It is one of my earliest childhood memories, and it was as magical tonight for me, as it was all those years ago. It is a must for all ages – even more so, for those who have forgotten how to play or hum and jig along to a song or two! And tonight I think we were all under her spell as we clapped and hummed along.

The Mary Poppins musical is based on the similarly titled Mary Poppins children’s books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, and it is a fusion of various elements from the two, brought to the stage by Cameron Mackintosh and Disney. It is easy to see why Mary Poppins is widely considered Walt Disney’s “crowning achievement”.

Tonight, we were spoilt with music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman plus new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The musical is directed by Richard Eyre and co-directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne.

The curtain went up and we were immediately transported to Cherry Tree Lane, with remarkable sets, magnificent dancers, a timeless score, and theatrical magic, this stage adaptation of the classic story of the most extraordinary nanny and her charges, is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Or indeed, at any theatre. It is simply perfect.

The Banks children scribble out on a piece of paper their exact requirements for their new nanny. After several poor experiences, they decide to list out their wants and needs. They want a nanny who is kind and funny, someone who can sing songs, take them on outings, and never be cruel or smell bad!

Out of nowhere, Mary Poppins appears, and along the way, she educates the children and the adults of the Banks household a lesson or two, as they have fun and learn how to fly a kite, dance with statues, ice cakes, visit the banking establishment where Mr Banks is employed, make new friends and enjoy adventures in the park.

Bob Crowley’s set design is exceptionally well thought out, every costume is bright, colourful and eye-catching, and Hugh Vanstone’s lighting alongside Paul Gatehouse’s sound design was outstanding.

In truth, it is a challenge to describe the intensity of this vibrant show; the finer details, including cosy scenes in the Bank’s home and children’s bedroom, to the lively full-scale dance numbers including ‘Jolly Holiday’, ‘Let’s Go, Fly a Kite’ and ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ with every set and each individual shining bright and in perfect harmony. Cameron Mackintosh and Disney have certainly ‘pulled it out of the Mary Poppin’s bag’ by seemingly casting a spell, to include a team of technical theatre wizards for this major UK and Ireland tour.

Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers lead the cast playing Mary Poppins and Bert respectively. They are both captivating from start to finish.

Chambers’ Bert is both cheeky and cheerful, and his tap dancing is just amazing. Jones’s Mary Poppins could not be more perfect. Each song, facial expression, even the way she positions her feet – she is just intrinsically, Mary Poppins inside and out. The timings and synchronisation with one another are just outstanding.

This truly is a magical musical. Mary Poppins will make your children believe in magic. I am still not sure how Bert was able to walk horizontally up the sides of the stage set, as well as complete a tap dance routine, upside down at the top and just how did Mary Poppins fly into the audience at the end?! Now that was just extraordinary.

Rating: 5/5

Mary Poppins is at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth now until Saturday 29th March 2025 and then continues on tour across the UK in 2025.
Tickets cost from £20.00 – Available from theatreroyal.com or call the box office on 01752 267222