Mary Poppins at the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff Review
Mary Poppins
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
14 December to 14 January 2017
Reviewed by Lee-Anne McCarthy
Having spent a childhood enjoying the works of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins the movie I was ecstatic to be reviewing the stage show. Now my theatre loving friends were keen to warn me that there were some significant differences between stage and screen. I was a little intrigued if the stage production could really live up to my very high expectations.
Mary Poppins tells the story of a firm, fair and fun nanny who reunites a disconnected family and reminds them of the value of being together. With troublesome children Jane and Michael Banks somewhat of an inconvenience to their father George Banks and nothing but a worry for mother Wilfred Mary Poppins is desperately needed to replace a string of hapless nannies. Swooping in Mary Poppins with the help of chimney sweep Bert makes great changes adding structure, routine and most importantly fun back into the lives of all the family members.
Mary Poppins was played by Zizi Strallen. Strallen was every bit the character I grew up falling in love with. She was fun whimsical but intriguing all at the same time. Her performances of my favourites like A Spoon Full of Sugar had me tapping my feet and singing along much to the dismay of my 12 year old daughter sat next to me. Strallen is wonderfully supported by Matt Lee as Bert. His performance of Step in Time literally saw him dance along the ceiling. The entire cast were incredible.
The set definitely deserves a big mention. It was breath-taking. With the Banks residence of Cherry Tree Lane like a dolls house it was reminiscent of one I had as a little girl. All parts of the house were accounted for even the attic nursery. The movement from downstairs to the attic was completely effortless. I don’t think I’ve ever been so taken by a set design.
A tremendous show that had us on the edge of seats, desperate to dance and sing along all the way through. We give this a show an amazing 5 out of 5.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £22.50 to £57.50 (bookings fees may apply).
Mary Poppins is at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff until 14 January 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 029 2063 6464.
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5AL | 029 2063 6464
