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Forget Disneyfied sentiment: this is a shining example of musical theatre, says Peter Craven
Who would have thought that Mary Poppins, that sackful of sugar Disney film musical of the early Sixties with Julie Andrews as the flying nanny would, in the hands of Richard Eyre and his collaborators, turn into one of the greatest pieces of musical theatre ever staged? Well, it has. I was amazed to think so when I saw the Cameron Mackintosh production in London with Laura Michelle Kelly in the title role in 2005, and this Australian production which opened at the Her Majesty’s last Thursday night confirms it.
This is as good as anything that has ever been done with a musical. It’s not only as good as Moss Hart or Hal Prince at the height of their powers, it’s a production by which all others will be judged. And the Australian production with Verity Hunt-Ballard lustrous in the lead and a luxurious supporting cast that includes Marina Prior as Mrs Banks, Philip Quast as Mr Banks and Debra Byrne as the bird woman, is the hottest ticket in the commercial theatre at the moment. If you have business or pleasure planned in Melbourne and you have a taste for strict but sweet schoolmarms who soar through the air, umbrella in hand, chimney sweeps who tapdance upside down or a superb, credible duo of kids, pack your bags and take your family to this fantasia of Edwardian London.
© The Spectator
