It took 20 years for Cameron Mackintosh to get his stage adaptation of 'Mary Poppins' onto the London stage, but it was well worth the wait. Based on both the 1964 Disney film and P.L.Travers' darker, more complex novel, this is a flawless musical, with old and new songs integrated perfectly, miraculous special effects and a talented cast giving it their all - including great performances from the child actors. The over-sweetness of the movie has been softened with a spoonful of vinegar, in the form of strict Victorian nanny Miss Andrews and a sinister scene in which the children's toys put them on trial for losing their tempers. The relationships are better fleshed-out as well, with the Banks family wholly believable and a larger role for Bert the chimney sweep. These welcome additions only increase the pleasure to be had from the wealth of infectious song-and-dance routines, and spectacular comic set pieces. Simply perfect.
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It took 20 years for Cameron Mackintosh to get his stage adaptation of 'Mary Poppins' onto the London stage, but it was well worth the wait. Based on both the 1964 Disney film and P.L.Travers' darker, more complex novel, this is a flawless musical, with old and new songs integrated perfectly, miraculous special effects and a talented cast giving it their all - including great performances from the child actors. The over-sweetness of the movie has been softened with a spoonful of vinegar, in the form of strict Victorian nanny Miss Andrews and a sinister scene in which the children's toys put them on trial for losing their tempers. The relationships are better fleshed-out as well, with the Banks family wholly believable and a larger role for Bert the chimney sweep. These welcome additions only increase the pleasure to be had from the wealth of infectious song-and-dance routines, and spectacular comic set pieces. Simply perfect.