Brisbane review - Mary Poppins: perfect in every way

By David Wilson

Mary Poppins

Original Music and Lyrics by Robert B Sherman and Richard M Sherman

Book by Julian Fellowes

Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh

Production Director Deian Ping

Musical Director Nicky Griffith

Choreographer Julianne Burke

Brought to you by Queensland Musical https://www.queenslandmusicaltheatre.com/marypoppins

Performance run from Fri 15 - 24 November 2024

Tickets ranging from $44 to $66 at https://www.queenslandmusicaltheatre.com/tickets

Twelfth Night Theatre

This magical production of a beloved classic, based on the timeless stories of P.L. Travers and the classic Disney film is the Cameron Mackintosh updated Broadway production. It successfully transports theatregoers into the heart of Cherry Tree Lane, where the iconic and mysterious Mary Poppins works her extraordinary magic.

Audiences will be captivated by a whimsical world complete with unforgettable characters, dazzling choreography, and the enchanting melodies of the beloved Sherman Brothers' songs we all know and love, backed by a high quality, full theatre orchestra. Mary Poppins is a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious experience for audiences of all ages.

The always excellent creative team at Queensland Musical Theatre have done a magnificent job of capturing the magic and wonder of this well-known classic. Edwardian London comes to life with wonderful costumes, excellent choreography, a magnificent orchestra and a large cast of highly talented and accomplished performers. Deian Ping, Nicky Griffith and Julianne Burke have delivered a production that is, like the song, practically perfect in every way.

Queensland Musical Theatre is well known for having an always-excellent orchestra, and this production is no different, with the orchestra given full licence to work its magic with the well-known score. The costuming, staging and lighting were also very well done indeed, with some excellent effects employed to enhance the magical feel of the production. A genuine highlight of the production was the magnificent choreography by Julianne Burke. The complex and confident choreography, coupled with a very talented cast, was very well received by a loud and appreciative opening night audience - particularly in the high energy ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ and ‘Step In Time’, both of which were absolute showstoppers.

Queensland Musical Theatre has again assembled over 40 talented actors in a collectively strong, high quality cast, with the lead performers each outstanding.

Georgia Mercer was entirely perfect as Mary Poppins, the extraordinary, magical, peculiar and slightly intimidating new nanny to Jane and Michael Banks. Her performance was flawless, with outstanding characterisation and genuinely incredible vocals. Mercer’s wonderfully layered portrayal of the complex role was excellent, with a lovely tenderness captured in particular when sharing the stage with both the Banks children and Bert. Her performance of the iconic ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ was fabulous.

Ray Gilmore was outstanding as Bert, the every-man, street artist, chimney sweep, narrator, and heart and soul of the show. Wonderfully cast, Gilmore’s charisma and excellent stage presence was on show throughout, with his genuine triple-threat talent most obvious in ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ and ‘Step In Time’, two of the most high-energy numbers I’ve seen in some time. Wonderful.

David McLaughlin was brilliant as George Banks, the stiff and stuffy banker, pipe-and-slippers wearing, precision and order loving, sovereign of Cherry Tree Lane. McLaughlin’s characterisation and delivery was impeccable throughout, and the way in which he captured the progressive revelation of his character’s sensitive side was excellent.

Jamie Taljaard was wonderful as Winifred Banks, long suffering, conflicted, loving wife of George and adoring mother of Jane and Michael. Taljaard brought much tenderness to her role, with the warmth of her character echoed by the wonderful warmth in her vocals, especially her outstanding performance of ‘Good for Nothing/Being Mrs Banks’.

The two Banks children, bright and precocious, wilful and snobbish Jane and cute and cheeky, excitable and naughty Michael, were performed on opening night by Alessia Monteverde and Isaac Wilson, and will be alternatively performed by Tia Godbold and Jake Allen. Both Monteverde and Wilson were outstanding throughout, highlighting their obvious dedication and commitment. Monteverde’s characterisation and vocals in particular were wonderful, and Wilson comfortably delivered some of the funniest lines of the show with impeccable timing. Well done to both.

There were also some particularly strong supporting performances of note. Kellie Wilson and Skye Schultz were excellent as Mrs Brill and Robertson Ay, both showcasing their comedic talents and excellent timing. Kathryn King’s whirlwind portrayal of the menacing Miss Andrew was wonderful, and Kristie Rabbitt’s Bird Woman vocals in ‘Feed the Birds’ were beautiful.

The experienced creative team at Queensland Musical Theatre, with the help of a large and very talented cast, have done a marvellous job of bringing Mary Poppins to life in this wonderful production and I thoroughly encourage you to see it.