Mary Poppins – Bristol Hippodrome and Touring

Stefanie Jones in Mary Poppins at Bristol Hippodrome and Touring. Picture: Danny Kaan

Mary Poppins was reviewed at Bristol Hippodrome where it continues until 30 November 2024. The tour continues until 22 November 2025.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

‘Winds in the east, mist coming in,
Like somethin’ is brewin’ and ’bout to begin’

Ladies and gentlemen, after a hiatus of a couple of years, Mary Poppins is officially back in the UK, and my goodness are audiences in for a treat.

Mary Poppins is the iconic image of nannies across the world. She first appeared in the beloved tales by PL Travers in 1934, and became a firm Disney favourite 30 years later. In the early 2004 the film and books were combined by Disney and legendary producer Cameron Mackintosh to create the musical stage adaptation. Twenty years after its worldwide debut at the Bristol Hippodrome, the smash hit musical has returned to its roots and is dazzling audiences all over again.

The creative team just seems to get everything right. We of course have the iconic Sherman Brothers show-stoppers like ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ and ‘Step in Time’, but these remarkable ensemble numbers are beautifully balanced out by the delicate and tender moments in ‘Feed the Birds’ (I’m not crying… there’s something in my eye) and ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’.

While the production is of course littered with these beloved and instantly recognisable songs, the show is fleshed out with a selection of newer numbers like ‘Being Mrs Banks’ and ‘Anything Can Happen’ (additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe). Whether old or new these songs are performed with passion, joy and jaw-dropping choreography from Matthew Bourne (co-director with Richard Eyre) and Stephen Mear (the associate choreographer is Richard Jones).

Visually speaking, this show can only be described as a spectacle. It’s bold, bright and beautiful. The dolls house-like set (Bob Crowley, adaptation by Rosalind Coombes and Matt Kinley) transports audiences to a Victorian Cherry Tree Lane, and the array of tricks brings a child-like magic into the auditorium (illusions are credited to Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer).

While this show is filled with an array of stars, there is one actor who was simply born to lead this production. Obviously everybody’s very protective of Mary Poppins. After all, who could ever live up the standards set by Julie Andrews? However, my favourite thing about Stefanie Jones’ performance is that she doesn’t try to replicate those before her, the performer presents her version of Mary. A Mary who’s sophisticated, strong, sassy, kind and fierce. She is a force to be reckoned with and maintains the magic of Mary beautifully throughout the entire performance.

Jones is accompanied by Jack Chambers who plays the lovable chimney sweep, Bert. Chambers brings a devilish charm and friendly manner to the role. He leads the large dance numbers brilliantly and is a treat to watch.

With a little bit of magic, a variety of colour and a whole lot of brilliance, this is a fantastic production for the entire family. So what are you waiting for? Step in time to the Bristol Hippodrome and grab your tickets for this Practically Perfect production.

Chloe Fry