Brisbane review - Mary Poppins Jnr: Mary Poppins Roars in Redcliffe

By Lilian Harrington

Production: Mary Poppins Jnr

Music and Lyrics:  The Sherman Brothers, George Styles

Book:  P. L. Travers

Company: ROAR Academy, Redcliffe Musical Theatre,

Producer/Director: Madeleine Johns

Location: Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Downs St. Redcliffe Q.

Season:  February 1-2 at 11 am  and  3 pm.

Bookings: Trybookings.

Youth theatre can provide an interesting dynamic for a theatre audience, and the ROAR Academy from Redcliffe Musical Theatre, is no exception; this production which was directed by Madeleine Johns and her competent production team, didn’t fail to disappoint with their presentation of Mary Poppins Jnr., which opened its 2025 youth program with this popular musical, starring young performers, (aged between 5 to 18 years), who didn’t miss a beat!

Staging an expensive production in the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre requires backing from their sponsors, the Bendigo Bank. It provided a great opportunity and experience for young talent to perform and strut the boards; the large audience was thoroughly entertained with the overall energy and enthusiasm from the cast, the well-choreographed dance routines, the earnest young voices, and the ensemble singing, along with the beautiful costumes, and technical effects, deliberate stage tricks and gaffs, easy to manage props and fly-in flats, the production had a good   energy and pace. It provided a great spectacle which the ROAR Academy can be proud of.

Mary Poppins tells the story of two spoilt and naughty upper class children, who have worn out several Nannies, and are a concern to their conservative parents; their father, a serious banker, and his obedient wife. The mystical and mysterious Mary Poppins appears after the children make a list of what they want in a Nanny. She has the skills and experience necessary. Her method of dealing with their unruly behaviour results in them learning to respect the rules.  

Starring in the role of Mary Poppins, is the talented young Zoe Hitchcock, who led the cast with confidence and aplomb. The role of Bert the chimney sweep, was played by the delightful Tony Bailey; Good performances were seen by members of the Banks Family : Father, George Banks (Joshua Darcy), Mother, Winnifred Banks (Mia Dacey),  the confident young daughter Jane Banks (Saang Chang), and her brother Michael Banks (Riordan Francis), who was new to stage work and technical knowhow.  Other stand outs in the cast included:  Miss Andrew (Zahlee Brackstone), who certainly packed a punch on stage, and Bird woman (Zola Bulan), who moved the audience when she sang “Feed the Birds Tuppence a Bag”

The production provided an opportunity for the youth of Redcliffe, to come together and develop their performance skills in theatre, dance and voice, and to showcase it in a meaningful and positive way.

 It would have taken a lot of patience and parental support to reach this standard of work from such a diverse group of children; many would have had to give up their treasured summer holidays to work on this production, in order to present this amazing presentation. Congratulations go to the technicians for their fantastic light, sound, and visuals design and support in this production!

It would be wonderful to see more youth groups such as the ROAR Academy, receive more support from their local communities, so as to encourage young talent to develop their theatre skills. Mary Poppins focuses on helping kids to change their values, attitudes and beliefs. It’s timeless because it allows for dreams to come true, through music, dance, song, and good team work. This delightful production of Mary Poppins Jnr. has helped realise some dreams for local kids.