Mary Poppins, Theatre Royal Plymouth until 29 March 2025, 2☆☆. Review: Cormac Richards.

Photo Credit: Danny Kaan.

Mary Poppins, Theatre Royal Plymouth until 29 March 2025.,

2☆☆. Review Cormac Richards

“Great production values undone by charmless direction and performances.”

The stage musical of Mary Poppins has eluded this reviewer since it first opened in London in 2004, now on a national tour, the show has the pedigree of the original novel, Disney film, director Richard Eyre and co-director Matthew Bourne behind that premiere production.

Far from slavish to the film, the book by Julian Fellowes takes elements of the book and the film and, with new songs from the excellent George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to add to some of that by the Sherman Brothers, a new version is created.

Technically this is an assault on the senses as the vast number of sets, dazzling costumes and special effects overload the eyes and the big brassy band fill the ears. The stage comes to life with so much that is inventive – designer Bob Crowley is a master in his field – it is quite difficult to take it all in. The ‘cartoon’ element of the original film is missing and so ‘Jolly Holiday’ becomes a clever lurch from the drab monotones of London, to an explosion of colour in the park. Mary’s bottomless carpet bag works a treat as does the collapsing kitchen – all great fun to behold.

A large cast work their socks off, with the dance sequences particularly strong – not least ‘Step in Time’ which has many hallmarks of Bourne and co-choreographer Stephen Mear.

However, while there is much to praise in the look of the show, the content does not rate so highly. There is no issue with deviation from the film, but in some cases (the introduction of the dancing statue Neleus, for instance) very little is gained and the action slows as a result. The movement of ‘Let’s Go Fly A Kite’ to early in Act Two and the exclusion of Mr Banks from it rips part of the emotional heart from the storytelling. Some of the new songs are good (‘Practically Perfect’ for example) but there are too many of them overall and largely outstay their welcome. There is a lot of tinkering and the show is not improved by much of it.

At a running time (including interval) of just shy of three hours, Fellowes et al have overinflated Mary Poppins massively; it is far, far too long and ends up appearing self-indulgent as a result.

As Mary, Stefanie Jones certainly looks the part and sings beautifully, but her characterisation is very hard-edged and cold; so much so that the character is difficult to like. Jack Chambers gives a sprightly Bert, who can dance very well, but rivals Dick van Dyke for the worse Cockney accent; at times he seemed strangely and inappropriately camp. There is the concern that the performers were asked to offer pantomime-style performances. Excellent actor though he is, Michael D Xavier’s George Banks is a cartoonesque John Cleese and the emotional moment of salvation at the end is lost as a result. Lucie-Mae Sumner has a lovely song ‘Being Mrs Banks’ which she sings well; her character no longer a suffragette, but a former actress of which little is made. The other most affecting song in the original score is ‘Feed the Birds’, is now a duet between Mary and the Bird Woman; in which role Patti Boulaye looks as far too glamorous and uncomfortable in the role. As Jane and Michael, Olivia Ainsworth and Joshua Miles do sterling work – they have a lot to do – though at times the gabbling of lines make their vocals indistinct.

The soul of the story has been stifled due to overwriting (both of words and songs), in fiddling with the structure and in strange directorial decisions. No tears are invoked, no lumps in the throat – all ditched in favour of a brash presentation which has little light and shade and lacks any charm.

Disappointing doesn’t do it justice. Many of these views will be the exact opposite of the vast majority of audience members – as ever, huge ovations at the end and most on their feet applauding. Yes, there are many elements of this show which deserve praise but there are many which detract from what could be a great piece of theatre. Oh and why can we see the wires when Mary leaves at the end of Act One – it can be done; but they are so obvious it means all the magic is lost.

Cast

Stefanie Jones - Mary Poppins

Jack Chambers – Bert

Michael D. Xavier - George Banks

Lucie-Mae Sumner - Winifred Banks

Rosemary Ashe - Mrs Brill

Patti Boulaye - Bird Woman

Wendy Ferguson - Miss Andrew

Sharon Wattis - Mrs Corry and Miss Smythe

Ruairidh McDonald - Roberston Ay

David Burrows - Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman

Jane Banks – Olivia Ainsworth

Michael Banks – Joshua Miles

Creatives

Writer (original novel) – P L Travers

Writers (original music and lyrics) - Richard M Sherman & Robert B Sherman

Writer (book) - Julian Fellowes

Writers (new music and lyrics) – George Stiles & Anthony Drewe

Producer – Cameron Mackintosh

Director – Richard Eyre

Co-Director & Choreographer – Matthew Bourne

Co-Choreographer – Stephen Mear

Designer – Bob Crowley

Lighting Design – Hugh Vanstone

Sound Design – Paul Gatehouse

Musical Director – Isaac McCullough

Photo Credit – Danny Kaan