Mary Poppins At Milton Keynes Theatre Review

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

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

If you didn’t know, Mary Poppins the Musical arrived in Milton Keynes this week.

Milton Keynes Theatre is in Central Milton Keynes surrounded by plenty of ample parking, bars and restaurants if you want a pre- show drink or meal. The theatre was certainly full this evening, with children, adults, nans and grandads. If you are taking your children, there is a very well stocked merchandise stall on arrival just inside the theatre.

There won’t be many people that do not know the story of the Nanny who arrives to take charge of the Banks children, Mary Poppins being said Nanny. Stefanie Jones is the most magnificent Mary Poppins you will ever see, she is Mary Poppins, her shoes and matching coats are gorgeous. There was so much to take in with this show, the cast is huge in terms of some shows I have seen, and every single member is simply outstanding.

The costumes, the scenery, the choreography, for those who follow Matthew Bourne it was very easy to see his influence on some of the dances, the statues in the park and the toys for sure had his name all over them. This show is a spectacular all singing all dancing musical that won’t fail to win your heart. The set moves from the house to the park to the rooftops in the easiest and most believable way. Bert played by Jack Chambers will almost certainly win your heart, he is simply amazing, my favourite part for him being the number ‘step in time’, just wow! This was an all singing dance and tap number of Ginger  Roger’s proportion; you just wanted to jump up on stage with them.

This is a feel good show, I’m still smiling now, it’s just the very best of musical theatre. Favourite numbers would be Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Step in Time, the whole cast were in involved in both, they were such a sight to behold. The dancing and singing is just outstanding.

You can’t fail to be moved by the theme of family and so often in modern times we all for no real fault of our own we lose sight of this, having had a very rubbish week at work, this show made me realise it’s not all about work, much like George Banks, yes we all need to make a living, but the reason for getting up every day is you, your wellbeing and your family. It’s incredible how a few hours losing yourself in a show can warm your soul heal your mind and leave you ready to face the world.

This show is quite simply magnificent, the children Jane and Michael tonight played by Connie Jones and Oli Manning did themselves proud, they didn’t look overwhelmed at all and played the parts really well. A special mention for Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman, great voice and stage presence. This is very much a show for the whole family, it’s not one to miss, it’s a show that warms your heart and really does have the wow factor. Mary Poppins flying off into the starlight sky of the theatre was something to behold. There is so much to love about this show the easiest thing to tell you is step out and see it before it leaves Milton Keynes, it’s the most magical night of entertainment you will see this year.

Rating: 5/5

Mary Poppins is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Wednesday 29 October to Saturday 22 November 2025. Tickets are available from £25 subject to a transaction fee of £3.95 available to buy from www.atgtickets.com or call the Box Office 0800 912 6971.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ