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The Cameron Mackintosh-disney stage musical Mary Poppins has finally flown into Sydney and it's as magical as the famous nanny herself.
This beautifully crafted show is a winning mix of colourful spectacle, toe-tapping tunes aand a heartwarming story with a good, strong moral.
Drawing on both the original books by Australian author P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, it has a slightly darker edge than the moiee but is every bit as enchanting, if not more so.
Writer Julian Fellowes has fleshed out the characters of Mr and Mrs Banks, giving them both more convincing back-stories. The children are also a little naughtier, creating a real sense of an unhappy family in need of some ministration.
Composer George Stiles and lyricist Anthone Drewe have skillfully combined the Sherman Brothers' most popular songs from the film with eight new numbers of their own, including the infectiously hummable 'Practically Perfect.'
They have also re-ordered and reworked some of the film songs, including 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious', which has been expanded into a six-minute production number that brings the house down.
The production values of this show, directed by Richard Eyre and Matthew Bourrne (who also co-choreographs) are first-rate.
Bob Crowley's clever set, which resembles a pop-up picture book, allows for magical moments galore, from an imploding kitchen that is quickly restored to Bert's tap-danc around the proscenium arch.
In the title role, Verity Hunt-Ballard is absolutely perfect. With a crystalline voice and a lovely stage presence, she brings just the right balance. Matt Lee is also extremely likeable as the genial Cockney Bert, dancing up a storm during the routine 'Step in Time'
Mary Poppins' final umbrella flight over the audience is a beautiful end to an uplifting family show.
© Daily Telegraph
