|
Only a cynic with a heart of stone could resist the pure, distilled delights of the magical new Cameron Mackintosh extravaganza Mary Poppins.
It took years to pull together this show, which is a fusion of the Disney film and the P. L. Travers books, but it was worth the wait because all of the elements are polished and guaranteed to draw an audience to Melbourne from all over the country.
The score features songs from the film written by the Sherman brothers, mixed with wonderful new songs by writing duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe that give the show a flush of contemporary humour and are so cleverly "Shermanesque" that it is hard to pick the additions. An extended version of 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious', with added lyrics and slick choreography, is a particular highlight.
The dialogue by Julian Fellowes is amusing and thoroughly English, and co-directors Richard Eyre and Matthew Bourne keep the pace up and the action tight on the cleverly designed set.
Verity Hunt-Ballard is a knockout in the title role, infusing it with a delicious blend of pert conservatism and mysticism, with a hint of bitchiness. She echoes Julie Andrews’s take on the character, but this version is undoubtedly edgier and far more exciting.
So You Think You Can Dance judge Matt Lee does a great job of Bert the chimney sweep, and both Marina Prior and Philip Quast are excellent as Mr and Mrs Banks.
The show uses simple tricks to excellent effect, giving it a delightfully magical atmosphere that you don’t have to be a child to enjoy.
© Daily Telegraph
