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Mary Poppins is sheer magic.
From the first murmurings of 'Chim Chim Cher-ee' to the final scene when the world's favourite nanny takes flight, this superlative musical transports the audience into a supercalifgragilistic world.
It's not razzle-dazzle in the way of Wicked - the Cherry Tree Lane setting is domestic, the performances often detailed - but no less powerful. And tonight's rousing standing ovation confirmed that.
This Mary Poppins is better than the one I saw in Los Angeles.
Do not expect a word-perfect rendition of the beloved books by P.L. Travers or a replica of the 1964 Disney film.
Mary Poppins the musical takes the best of both worlds to create something entirely new and director Richard Eyre makes it work in the most delightful way.
The Sherman Brothers' hummable hits from the film are skilfully woven with new numbers by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and Julian Fellowes' script fleshes out the flawed characters of George and Winifred Banks. Played to perfection by Philip Quast and Marina Prior, they are revealed as vulnerable beings ripe for healing by a super nanny.
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© Herald and Weekly Times.
