Mary Poppins - Book by Julian Fellowes, New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stills and Anthony Drewe, Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh, Produced for Disney Theatrical Productions by Thomas Schumacher, Co-Direction and Choreography by Matthew Bourne.
Starring Verity Hunt-Ballard (Mary Poppins), Matt Lee (Bert), Philip Quast (George Banks), Marina Prior (Winifred Banks), Sally-Anne Upton (Mrs.Brill), Judi Connelli (Miss Andrew) and Debra Byrne (Bird Woman).
Never before have I witnessed an audience erupt into cheering and clapping at the beginning of an overture at a second preview performance, but there is just something about this Mary.
Based on both the stories of Australian born author P.L Travers, and the Disney film of the same name, Mary Poppins is a sheer delight.
Not being a big fan of the 1964 film starring Julie Andrews (in fact I have never been able to watch the film in it's entirety) I was not initially looking forward to seeing it on stage. When I first saw it in Melbourne in 2010, it won me over with it's incredible performances and lavish production. It's transfer to Sydney has lost none of it's energy and zest and is even better after a successful 9 month run in Melbourne.
Verity Hunt-Ballard is a winner in the title role as the stern but fair nanny. She warms the audience upon her first entrance and as the evening goes on impresses with her voice, dancing and wonderful acting. Her Mary Poppins is no pushover and she sets up some fairly challenging lessons for the two Banks' children (played by Rose Shannon-Duhigg and Lachlan Jones at this performance) to learn, whether it be trial by stuffed toy or abandoning them at the end of the first act. Hunt-Ballard's comic timing is impeccable and her wicked sense of humour prevents the show from delving too deeply into the potential pot of syrup it could do in lesser hands. She is helped along by a witty book by Julian Fellowes.
Equally as talented is Matt Lee as Bert; the jack of all trades who befriends the Banks children whilst being the flirtatious beau of Poppins (from time to time). Lee has grown into the role and is a powerhouse dancer and competent singer/actor. His leading of the company in 'Step in time' in which he and an ensemble of chimney sweeps dance their away across the rooftops of London, whilst joined by Poppins, is nothing short of a showstopper. This number stopped the show on Tuesday evening.
Marina Prior delivers a pitch perfect performance as Winifred.Banks and Philip Quast is in his usual top form as George Banks. Musical theatre veterans Debra Byrne and Judi Connelli also feature and add strong support in their roles. Sally-Ann Upton gets numerous laughs in her role as portly Housekeeper Mrs.Brill.
The choreography (originally choreographed by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear) and costume design (by Christine Rowland) work well together in all numbers with highlights being 'Jolly Holiday' , 'Anything Can Happen' and of course 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
The book could perhaps benefit from a slight trim in some scenes and losing 10 or 15 minutes of dialogue would make for a tighter production but that is a minor quibble for a production that makes your heart sing and reminds you what is so magical about musical theatre in the first place.
Rush out and buy your ticket today; Mary Poppins is a magical experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Matt Lee and Verity Hunt-Ballard lead a hardworking ensemble through their paces
in the showstopping 'Step in Time'
That super song sure is SUPER
At a glance
I rave about: Verity Hunt-Ballard, Matt Lee, Lavish production
I grumble about: Very little
Hot tip: Book now
See it if you liked: WICKED, Lion King, The Sound of Music
My score: 9/10
Starring Verity Hunt-Ballard (Mary Poppins), Matt Lee (Bert), Philip Quast (George Banks), Marina Prior (Winifred Banks), Sally-Anne Upton (Mrs.Brill), Judi Connelli (Miss Andrew) and Debra Byrne (Bird Woman).
Never before have I witnessed an audience erupt into cheering and clapping at the beginning of an overture at a second preview performance, but there is just something about this Mary.
Based on both the stories of Australian born author P.L Travers, and the Disney film of the same name, Mary Poppins is a sheer delight.
Not being a big fan of the 1964 film starring Julie Andrews (in fact I have never been able to watch the film in it's entirety) I was not initially looking forward to seeing it on stage. When I first saw it in Melbourne in 2010, it won me over with it's incredible performances and lavish production. It's transfer to Sydney has lost none of it's energy and zest and is even better after a successful 9 month run in Melbourne.
Verity Hunt-Ballard is a winner in the title role as the stern but fair nanny. She warms the audience upon her first entrance and as the evening goes on impresses with her voice, dancing and wonderful acting. Her Mary Poppins is no pushover and she sets up some fairly challenging lessons for the two Banks' children (played by Rose Shannon-Duhigg and Lachlan Jones at this performance) to learn, whether it be trial by stuffed toy or abandoning them at the end of the first act. Hunt-Ballard's comic timing is impeccable and her wicked sense of humour prevents the show from delving too deeply into the potential pot of syrup it could do in lesser hands. She is helped along by a witty book by Julian Fellowes.
Equally as talented is Matt Lee as Bert; the jack of all trades who befriends the Banks children whilst being the flirtatious beau of Poppins (from time to time). Lee has grown into the role and is a powerhouse dancer and competent singer/actor. His leading of the company in 'Step in time' in which he and an ensemble of chimney sweeps dance their away across the rooftops of London, whilst joined by Poppins, is nothing short of a showstopper. This number stopped the show on Tuesday evening.
Marina Prior delivers a pitch perfect performance as Winifred.Banks and Philip Quast is in his usual top form as George Banks. Musical theatre veterans Debra Byrne and Judi Connelli also feature and add strong support in their roles. Sally-Ann Upton gets numerous laughs in her role as portly Housekeeper Mrs.Brill.
The choreography (originally choreographed by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear) and costume design (by Christine Rowland) work well together in all numbers with highlights being 'Jolly Holiday' , 'Anything Can Happen' and of course 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
The book could perhaps benefit from a slight trim in some scenes and losing 10 or 15 minutes of dialogue would make for a tighter production but that is a minor quibble for a production that makes your heart sing and reminds you what is so magical about musical theatre in the first place.
Rush out and buy your ticket today; Mary Poppins is a magical experience for the whole family to enjoy.
in the showstopping 'Step in Time'
At a glance
I rave about: Verity Hunt-Ballard, Matt Lee, Lavish production
I grumble about: Very little
Hot tip: Book now
See it if you liked: WICKED, Lion King, The Sound of Music
My score: 9/10
