Review: ‘Mary Poppins’ at Crown Theatre

Mary Poppins at Crown Theatre
Wednesday, September 13, 2023

10/10

As the song goes, Mary Poppins is “practically perfect in every way.” Mary Poppins the musical twirled into Crown Theatre this week and charmed everyone with its magical stage interpretation of the iconic childhood movie.

An absolute delight from start to finish, this production deserves more than ten stars. From the moment the curtain rises to the final bow, you’ll find yourself transported to a world where anything is possible, and where the power of kindness knows no bounds. 

Mary Poppins herself is portrayed with spirit and elegance by Stefanie Jones, capturing the essence of the stern beloved nanny, with excellent attention to detail right down to the perfectly placed ‘V’ feet position.

Bert (Jack Chambers) is the cheeky and charming chimney sweep, whose obvious chemistry with Mary is heartwarming. Chambers is well known for his dancing abilities (So You Think You Can Dance? Season 1 winner), but wowed the audience with his charming characterisation, wonderful singing and undeniable stage presence that pulls your eye every time he enters the stage.

The Banks family are also well cast, with the frustrated mother Winifred (Lucy Maunder) trying her best to manage troublesome children Jane and Michael, who are just seeking the attention and love of their terse and absent father, George (Tom Wren). Everyone onstage is impeccable, in characterisation, vocals and dance. Practically perfect.

Every musical number was a feast for the eyes thanks to spectacular costumes, choreography and special effects. The iconic Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is a colourful, energetic ensemble dance number of incredible synchronisation as they spell the tongue twisting word with their bodies. Patti Newton delivers a touching Feed the Birds, and kids will love the kitchen getting destroyed (and magically repaired) in A Spoonful of Sugar with slapstick by Robertson Ay (Gareth Isaac). 

However, there were two musical numbers that stood out from the rest. In Jolly Holiday, Mary convinces the children that a walk in the park can be exciting. Showing them through the vibrant flowers and by ballet-leaping sculptures, they discover the magic that can be found in the world around us. 

The most memorable number is the jaw-dropping tap routine of Step in Time by the chimney sweeps, combining a masculine Tap-dogs-esque routine with breathtaking stunt work. For just this dance routine alone, Jack Chambers deserves a standing ovation.

Of course, what is Mary Poppins without a little bit of magic? Mary Poppins‘ magical cavernous bag will leave kids gasping, whilst adults will be studying the soaring kites closely – sure that there are strings but we just can’t see them. 

The set design and special effects are a marvel. The beautiful sets transform like a pop-up book (fitting as Mary Poppins was a book first). The front of the house opens wide like a giant dollhouse right before your eyes and the furniture slides into place as if pushed by a child – again a nod to the integrated theme of childhood imagination and wonder. Mary Poppins is a testament to the ingenuity of the production team, yet no stage hands are ever to be seen.

This enchanting musical captures the heart and soul of the original story, but, as insisted by the late author P.L. Travers, it was not to be a direct reproduction of the film. The themes of family, kindness, and the importance of finding joy in the everyday are brought to life in a new story with new and familiar characters. 

Mary Poppins the musical is sincere and warm – it’s practically perfect in every way!

Even the most cynical will wish for a little of Mary Poppins’ magic in their life.

MELISSA MANN