Mary Poppins The Musical – Prince Edward Theatre

Mary Poppins – Winner of 7 Tony Awards

You’ve probably seen the 1964 film, a wonderful British classic whose lovely plot and sweet show tunes appeal to people of every age. If it reminds you of your childhood, this theatre production will bring the past zooming back in the most delightful way. If you’re only little and have never experienced Mary yet, you’re in for a huge treat. Everyone loves Mary Poppins, and that’s why it makes such a lot of sense to grab tickets while they’re still available.

Make your way to the Prince Edward theatre, to where Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed stage musical of the kids’ classic Mary Poppins returns. The show features glorious, rousing music and lyrics by the talented Sherman Brothers, with extra lyrics and tunes from George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Combining the original children’s books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, Julian Fellowes’ new book merges everything to exceptional effect.

The original 2004 production was directed by Richard Eyre, co-directed by Matthew Bourne and choreographed by Stephen Mear. It proved a smash hit on trials in Bristol and sold out at the Prince Edward theatre. It remains the only Disney musical to premiere in Britain. Laura Michelle Kelly played Mary back then, and won a well-deserved Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in 2005. When it transferred to Broadway in late 2006 it enjoyed nominations for seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, and won the award for Best Scenic Design. This time around the show stars the excellent Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp.

A sequel to the original 1964 movie was released in late 2018, 54 years after the original, called Mary Poppins Returns. It has sparked even more interest in the original story, just in time for this long-awaited theatrical revival.

So what’s the plot?
It’s London, and the year is 1910. The youngsters of the Banks family, Jane and Michael, need a nanny, and they want a cheerful one. When the perfect nanny – Mary Poppins herself – turns up, her unconventional ways turn the family upside down. Ultimately she ends up helping the whole family, not just the kids, and there’s a wonderfully warm happy ending. The score includes the all-time classics songs Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, A Spoonful of Sugar, Let’s Go Fly a Kite, Feed The Birds and more.

The Producer for Disney is Thomas Schumacher, joined by Cameron Mackintosh. Richard Eyre directs and Matthew Bourne co-directs. The lighting comes from Howard Harrison, Design from Bob Crowley, and the costumes are by Bob Crowley.

Who is this show for?
This delightful classic musical is suitable for the whole family.