Willoughy Theatre presented the now-standard much loved Disney/Cameron Macintosh version, with small adjustments from the London version which was seen here at the Capitol several years ago.Matthew Bourne’s choreography is not retained but rather altered and adapted by Declan Moore and Janina Hamerlok .
Set in Edwardian times, the ever popular MARY POPPINS is based on the books by Australian author P.L.Travers, and narrates the tale of the rather dysfunctional Banks family, whose lives are changed completely and unexpectedly with the arrival of a new nanny, Mary Poppins.
The Banks children, Michael and Jane, have driven to distraction a harassed series of nannies of late. Will Mary Poppins be able to cope? Does she fulfill the selection criteria of both parents and children? You’ll have to see the show to find out …
Under the fine direction of Declan Moore, there were wizard special effects, splendid versatile unfolding/sliding sets , excellent use of projections and back drops , masses of bright and colourful costumes and several HUGE production numbers that brought the house down. Not forgetting a terrific spectacular starry finale . The casting was strong with excellent performances all round. The orchestra as led by musical director Andrew Bartle was splendid.
In the first half, the huge breathless show stopper number is the almost impossible to spell or pronounce ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’.
I saw the ‘team Bert’ cast of children. There were huge casts especially for Supercal and Step In Time for example , both exuberantly performed and the audience roared its approval.
Leading lady Michaele Leisk as Mary Poppins is super efficient , briskly elegant and yet also a bit cold and aloof perhaps – possibly a being from another world, a wish fulfillment dream nanny ? She has wonderful fun, looks stunning with her iconic bag and parrot umbrella , and sings and dances splendidly, weaving her spell over the audience and the Banks household.
Born to play the role of Bert, tall gangly Matt Hourigan was magnificent in his performance , from his first appearance mesmerizing the audience as the good hearted , at times rather cheeky chimney sweep ,narrator, artist, dancer, and general theatrical magic maker.
Chim Chim Cher-ee was marvellous and the extended Step in Time with his tap dancing solo thrilled , dazzled and had the audience cheering. His subtler, quieter moments are handled well and contrast delightfully with the epic production numbers.
Strict precision and order are what are required by the actor playing George Banks, and Brad Clarke develops his seemingly rather pompous ,cold and wooden character to reveal the sad, torn, harried and stressed man inside in a finely nuanced performance. His uncertain situation– facing a financial crash and unemployment– is still extremely relevant today.
Nina Marsh is terrific as Mrs Banks, an exquisite picture of Edwardian loveliness. We follow how her character grows stronger as she attempts to save the rather stormy Banks marriage and deal with almost impossible domestic situations.
The children Jane and Michael were delightfully played by Stella Constable and Nicholas Cradock at the performance I saw. Overworked , stressed Mrs Brill the cook/housekeeper was wonderfully played by Donna Fitzgerald and Kris Fenessy had a great time as the boneless, clumsy Robertson Ay.
As the ‘nastiest nanny in the world’ , ‘The Holy Terror ‘devilish Miss Andrew, Karen Oliver in severe, disapproving black has great fun stealing the show with enormous relish. The confrontation scene between her and Mary Poppins ( Brimstone and Treacle) saw her portrayed as a pantomime villain with green and red lighting .
Playing the Game and Feed the Birds were presented with a light touch, not quite as dark as they might be, and Neleus the Statue’s search for his father is quite downplayed .
Graced with the delightful presence of the Mayor of Willoughby in the audience , this terrific production by Willoughby Theatre Company had the audience enchanted. It dazzled and delighted. Quick – if you haven’t already booked, almost the entire season is already sold out but extra performances have been added due to public demand . Check with the box office now !
Running time allow 3 hours ( roughly ) including one interval
MARY POPPINS is playing at the Concourse until October 30.
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