Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of Mary Poppins lands at Birmingham Hippodrome for six weeks, as part of its UK and Ireland Tour. With stunning choreography, toe-tapping melodies, and joyful performances, it’s practically perfect in every way.  

We meet the Banks family on their search for a new nanny. George Banks, the patriarch, hopes for a stern disciplinarian, capable of wrangling his wayward children, Jane and Micheal. Enter Mary Poppins, as prim and proper as she is preposterous. Taking the children under her wing, she embarks on an odyssey of whimsy and wonder accompanied by Bert, an affable, lion-hearted fool.  

Scored by an abundance of well-loved songs, the story unfolds - silly, splendid and slightly supernatural. The apparent frivolity of the narrative highlights the importance of fun in a serious world. When it tips into farce, Poppins appears and with a ‘spit spot’ whips everyone into order. Despite the madcap chaos, her self-assurance, no nonsense attitude and reassuring, grounded presence guide us through.  

Indeed, Stephanie Jones is brilliant in the title role, coupling incredible vocals and commanding stage presence to create a performance that feels both familiar and fresh. Jack Chambers manages the same thing, presenting a Bert that is both comfortingly recognizable and yet charmingly unique. He also delivers a gravity-defying tap dance routine which must be seen to be believed.  

Meanwhile, The Banks’ family dynamic is crystal clear. Winifred Banks (Sarah-Marie Maxwell) articulately questions the role of women in Victorian society. Contrastingly, her husband, George Banks (Micheal D. Xavier) is obsessed with maintaining order. His progression from hardline disciplinarian to doting father is heartwarming to behold. Olive Harrison and Oliver Benson as Jane and Micheal Banks effortlessly kept pace with their older cast-mates - hilariously petulant and demanding initially, thoughtful and kind by the end.  

Patti Boulayne, Rosemary Ash and Wendy Ferguson all shine in their supporting roles. Boulane’s moving and sympathetic Bird Woman, Ash’s hilariously highly strung Mrs Brill and Ferguson’s utterly evil Miss Andrew all bring life and depth to the story.  

It is the sheer theatre and stagecraft which make this show a joy to behold, bringing the magic to life. Awestruck gasps filled the theatre, thanks to Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer's slick illusions. Meanwhile Rachel Woodhouse's spectacular costumes, Hugh Vanstone’s lighting and Luke Halls’ projections combine with seamless harmony to move us through technicolor time and place.  

Although there are some omissions which fans of the film might miss (Mrs. Bank’s Suffragette storyline is nowhere to be seen, for example) this beloved family musical continues to amaze. A night of pure magic, bouncing along with infectious energy and playfulness which leaves the audience rapt, young and old.

Five stars

Mary Poppins was reviewed on Friday 18 July by Todd Jennings at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until Saturday 23 August