‘Mary Poppins’ more than just a musical: part magic show, part circus, even part fever dream

Musicals can often come across as twee, especially when the subject is syrupy, and while you might assume a musical version of the childhood classic Mary Poppins would be all sweetness and light – bang! – comes a production that blows the mind.

The latest stage incarnation of Mary Poppins, on at Crown Theatre in Perth and presented by Cameron Mackintosh productions, excels in every facet of musical theatre complete with superlative cast, clever choreography, colourful costumes, sophisticated backdrops, spot-on lighting, and – one of the key ingredients in a musical, of course – a dynamic orchestra performing familiar songs and some fresh tunes to boot.

Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins with the Banks children, the latter roles played by various actors in the one production.

Mary, played by stage stalwart Stefanie Jones, is a little less ‘spoonful’ of sugar (although the song gets several rotations in this production) and more nanny-at-the-end-of-her-tether. Maybe the producers thought it would be on-point to encourage their lead star to put a little more attitude and grit into the role, playing by the woke rules post #MeToo, but they ought to have remembered this is a nanny, after all, and nannies, while they’re supposed to keep kids in line, are supposed to do so in a mild manner. Still, while there’s a certain grumpiness to Jones’ Mary, by halfway through the production her delivery is somewhat jollier – more like the Mary Poppins we’ve seen on screen.

But don’t get me wrong; I’m not criticising Jones’ performance (again, she was probably directed to go the grittier route); in fact, that she is able to steer this three-hour production through all its twists, turns and delightful chaos is a feat in itself; so kudos to this fine performer.

The rest of the cast are also deserved of praise, each actor perfectly on cue when the spotlight is on despite all the wonderful kaleidoscopic activity on stage. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, indeed!

Speaking of which, the non-stop rotation of backdrops in this production is very impressive. One minute you’re in the spacious living room of the rather well-to-do Banks family, the next you’re up on the rooftops watching a lively troupe of chimney sweepers singing and dancing in perfect sync.

Everything about this production is five stars, really, and you can tell producer Mackintosh has not spared a tuppence in making it the spectacular event that it is.

The safety apparatus required for the various aerial stunts must have cost a pretty penny, for sure, all of it worth it when you see what tricks these performers have up their well-stitched sleeves. Mary herself has so many surprises coming out of her carry-all bag, you’ll wonder how the constant sleight-of-hand is carried out.

The greatest highlight for me, though, was a scene in which the Banks children’s bedroom turns into a dark, spooky fever dream in which a small Punch doll grows into a gigantic half-puppet consisting of head, shoulder and hands and taking up half the stage. It really is a sight to behold and injects a fever dream of sorts into what was once a fairly safe, and somewhat limited childhood story.

That said, this production of Mary Poppins will appeal to all ages and to folks from all walks of life. I myself am always a bit ‘meh’ when it comes to viewing musicals, but this particular one left me wide-eyed and singing its praises to anyone who asks about it.

Antonino Tati

‘Mary Poppins’, the musical, is on at Crown Theatre, Perth, until Sunday 22 October 2023.
Tickets are available through crownperth.com.au.

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