Mary Poppins - Prince Edward Theatre

Going this Saturday and Sunday in Manchester, after seeing it in Leicester in October and Dublin at the start of December. Think it will be my final 2 times seeing it as there really isn't anywhere else on the tour I can go to see it.

Anywho, it opened in Manchester last night to what sounded like (in Wicked terms) a no fly show.

I'm from Belfast, I could easily get flights to other tour stops, but they were the only tour stops where I don't have to pay for hotels because I have friends in the area...apart from Dublin that was just a train journey from Belfast. And considering work commitments, and other holidays/trips I currently have planned, this is likely going to be the last Mary Poppins trip for now, anyway.

Saw the first show yesterday in Manchester after seeing this in Leicester and certainly had an earthbound Mary.but still a great musical, love the way they did this in London and New York, obviously they can't do that on the road, so find it thrilling how they redo it for the road.

5 Stars.

Hey guys! I posted this on the old forum, but since that will be gone soon I wanted to move my review here!

"Hey guys! I am sorry for taking so long to post my opinions on the show, but it completely slipped my mind! I saw the show in Dublin on January 2nd (evening) and Janurary 3rd (matinee) at the Bord Gais and the show was amazing! I had never seen the films before so I was going in 100% blind to the show. It was honestly such a beautfiul show, the lighting, staging, singing and in particulur the dancing were simply breathtaking! I got the lead cast for both shows (dissappointed as I wanted to see my fave Jackie Hughes go on for Mrs Banks, but oh well!)

Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins - I knew very little about the role itself even though she is so iconic, but Zizi really did bring to life what I believe the character should be. She was so confident on stage and had such an enthralling presence, her dancing was AMAZING and she had such a sweet, gorgeous voice to match! Her comedic timing was completely on point and she really showed a great affection for the Banks family which I loved. Plus, her "flying" moments were very well done!

Rebecca Lock as Mrs Banks - For me, she was the standout in the show! Oh my god Rebecca was so funny in the role and created the most perfect Mrs Banks I thnik that could possibly be concieved! Her voice was stunning and her comedic timing was second to none, every since facial expression was so powerful and she had the audiences in stiches!

Milo Twomey as Mr Banks - He played the uncaring father in the first act very well but even with that I still found his character weirdly likeable? He was hard not to like because you could tell that deep down it was Mr Banks stress and dedication from his job that was causing the neglect of his family, great actor!

Jabez Cheesman (evening) / Harvey Shoesmith-Dean (matinee) as Michael Banks - Jabez unfortunately was probably the biggest let down for me at the evening show I saw. I don't like to criticise children because I know at his age I could have never performer to his standard, but for me he just didn't fit all too well, when not directly acting (doing lines/reaction) he kind of just went totally blank as if he was not on stage and also he mummbled quite a bit, he was very hard to understand for most of the show, although he was adorable and likeable none the less. Harvey was such an improvement the following day, he acted the role very well and for his age his enunciation was fantastic, he really was a joy to watch on stage!

Georgie Hill (evening) / Isabelle Methven (matinee) as Jane Banks - Unfortuantely, for the evening show I was also given a child actor I wasn't particulurly fond of, Georgie did the best she could with the role, but she wasn't doing it for me. I imagine as the show is meant to go on (especially into Act 2) the children are supposed to be likeable, unfortunately Georgie didn't fulfill this and kept the "brat" mood throughout the show which made me lose any warmth I could have towards her Jane. Isabelle on the other hand was a fabulous Jane, very likeable and believable!

Matt Lee as Bert - Matt was a brilliant Bert, very funny and although I wasn't very fond of him at first I really did warm up to him later on in the show. His voice is very strong and his dancing was perfect! He also had really good comedic timing (as did the whole cast I must add again!)

SHOUTOUTS to Penelop Andrew as Miss Andrew! Wow, wow wow! This woman is hilarious, I left with Brimstone and Treacle being one of my top 3 songs from the show, her acting was so evil while still being comedic and she really just did it for me, her voice is stunning (especially on the high notes!) Only one other person in the show had me laughing more, and this was....

Wendy Ferguson! She is the FUNNIEST person on stage, EVER!!! Oh my god, she was comedy gold as Mrs Brill, I actually could not stop laughing at her. She was so very lieable and had the comedic timing down, going from her really dainty "hello Madame" voice, to her gruff manly voice! Keep your eye on her, even the faintest facial expression she makes just fits perfectly! This woman needs to play Mrs Brill forever!!

Grainne Renihan - I don't know if it was the music, or Grainne's performance (or a mix as both), but she was so lovely as the Bird Woman. I actually started tearing up for her during the song, it was so touching, I honestly wasn't expecting it!

Wreh-Asha Walton as Mrs Corry, she was very funny and stood out in her ensemble track also, keep an eye on her!

Lastly, my fave Queen, Jacqueline Hughes - Jackie was really funny as Katie Nana and did a great job in her ensemble bits, I miss her going green, but its great she's in a new show which she told me she is loving!

Overall, the show was simply fantastic with so so many standouts and fantastic, loveable performances! Go see this if you can, and if you're debatting whether to do an extra show or whatever, take the chance! The music is beautiful, and a second watch certainly lets you pick up on details you missed! The cast did so well, for doing 9 shows a week throughout Christmas, the energy was so high and the Dublin audiences were FANTASTIC!! Standing ovations and clapping along (at the appropriate times I must say also, a rarity!) Thank you for reading and I hope this post helps in your decision making process or is just an interesting read if you're a fan!"

I'm going Tuesday. Never seen it before so looking forward to it

I took a group of 70 children last week, they absolutely loved it. Booked to see it again in a couple of weeks without them! Fabulous production.

i saw Jennifer Davison and she was a great Mary Poppins - she had the whole package!

Caught the show this afternoon - thought it was brilliant! Although didn't really take off until 'Supercali...' But that could have just been because it was a matinee.
Highlight was 'Step in Time'! My 5 yr old now wants to tap dance and be Bert.
Ticket I thought was a little pricey for sitting right at the side of the stalls, but the view was fine.
Would love to see it again actually!!

I saw this last Friday as well and loved it, some bits did seem a little bit slow but the dance numbers and costumes more than kept my spirits up. I loved Matt Lee as Bert and thought he was fantastic in the role, it made me want to learn to tap especially on the roof!! I couldn't keep my eyes off Zizi when she was on stage her mannerisms and facial expressions just drew your eye towards her. Glad I've finally managed to see it as had been waiting for the show to come back to the UK for an age after missing out last time.
I have got myself the Mary Poppins umbrella and now searching ebay for a shirt so I can be Mary Poppins at Halloween haha!

I think it was more people debating/wishing/gossiping that it could go into the Victoria Palace (now Delfont owned) after the refurb. I'd love to see it back in town, I'm seeing it on tour end of next month!  

There were no offers for Manchester that I saw at a time when there's been no shortage of offers for other shows. I don't think a run the length of Mary Poppins can be expected to sell out in advance but if the Manchester run is anything to go by pretty much every performance in Birmingham will end up pretty close to capacity. The inevitable four and five star reviews certainly won't do sales any harm. 

I've sent you a message!