Mary Poppins at the Alhambra Theatre Bradford Review
Mary Poppins
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
2 November to 10 December 2016
Reviewed by Gemma Ingham
Everyone is familiar with Mary Poppins aren’t they? The practically perfect nanny has likely been watched in many households over the years so I was thrilled be able to go and see the show at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford.
The Alhambra is conveniently located in Bradford City Centre, close to major motorways and public transport. The theatre itself is always a joy to visit with plenty of staff on hand and has a warm inviting atmosphere.
I’m not sure what I was expecting from the show, but I did expect it to stick to the well-known storyline and add a modern twist. I wasn’t disappointed.
Zizi Strallen is magnificent as Mary Poppins and has mastered the quick witted dry humour that the character is famous for. The show is choreographed by Matthew Bourne. The characters were a whirlwind of precise movement on stage as they swirled and leapt around to favourites such as ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’, and the famous ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’. My personal favourite is ‘Step in Time’ in which Bert literally does dance over the roof tops.
The sets were amazing with the Banks’ house on Cherry Tree Lane being a fluid and unique prop. I did wonder beforehand how the scenes in which Mary, Bert and the children have entered into an odd fantasy world would be played out on stage. As it happens it was set in a riot of colour and introduced quite a few new characters into the mix.
If you’re expecting to see the film of Mary Poppins played out word for word on stage then you will be disappointed. This production is Mary Poppins re-imagined, shaken up and re-arranged. The old favourites are there such as the cook (Mrs Brill), the Banks family, the bird woman, the bankers etc., but there is also the addition of new characters, new songs and new dialogue that I found spices up the old classic.
The show certainly had me laughing out loud, singing along and left me in amazement at Mary Poppins’ exit at the end. I’d highly recommended seeing this show while it’s on at the Alhambra. You won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £21.50 to £61.50 (booking fees may apply).
Mary Poppins is at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford until 10 December 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01274 432000.
Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ | 01274 432000
