Mary Poppins - Prince Edward Theatre

I think you’re right.

Finally made it back to the Prince Edward to see this - the last time I was at this theatre was to see one of the final performances of the original, which I adored and saw an embarrassing amount of times.

This was *almost* as good, but it more than surpassed my expectations that I'd set slightly low as I have such fond memories of the original, and regret some of the changes to the show imposed by Disney. I also miss the original set - the house felt more solid and more of a character, but without swamping the story like the mansion in Sunset. That said, the projections are miles and miles better than anything we got back in 2004 (not surprising, remember those ghastly projections in The Woman in White)? And the scene changes are extremely slick. The pace was a lot faster than the original production; I think the running time is shorter.

My major gripe was that they've ruined 'Feed the Birds'. Partly because of Petula Clark (I get the cameo casting, but she really needs to retire), who sings the song so low that the key is completely wrong for it; partly because the climax of the song was oddly underplayed; and partly because of the set - far too warm colours...the show's written for the Bird Woman to be scary and creepy to the kids in the first act, but by the second they realise she's harmless. I suspect the producers are still overreacting to Ben Brantley's ridiculous review of the original that claimed the Bird Woman was too scary and looked like a corpse raised from the dead. Oh, and 'Temper Temper' is much missed; 'Playing the Game' doesn't have much interest in it, though the staging isn't bad. I felt 'Temper Temper' had a clear point to it; 'Playing the Game' just felt extraneous.

That all said, GREAT cast all round (Ms Clark aside). Zizzi is fantastic Mary and a perfect voice for it - ever so slightly on the point of curdling, which is just right for the role. And she has bags of stage presence. Charlie Stemp is a great performer but a little too young IMHO as Bert. He's a natural fit for the role but I'd prefer to see him do it in 5-10 years' time; Bert needs to be a little bit older so you can believe he's accumulated the wisdom in life that he has. I was surprised Claire Moore didn't go for the vocal acrobatics that Rosemary Ashe did - was that a directorial decision?

I suspect the orchestra is smaller than last time round - I haven't got my old programmes on me to check. Does anyone know?

The audience seemed to be loving it, quite possibly more than I remember them loving the original. I wonder whether this will manage to stay around as long. The timing seems better for the show now - some of the aspects of the story seem to resonate more post financial crisis, and audiences are more used to a more abrasive Poppins than back in 2004 when everyone expected Julie Andrews but didn't get it, especially now that we've had Mary Poppins Returns and Saving Mr Banks.

I'll definitely be returning at some point in the run.

I saw this thanks to my amazing lottery ticket in row T, Fantastic view and sound! Does anyone know where Mary flies up to because the overhang cut there final part of the flight

I finally saw this on Saturday at the matinee. This was my first time ever seeing MARY POPPINS on stage, but the film holds a very special place in my heart and is still a favourite.

This stage version was absolutely GLORIOUS! Yes, it is very different to the film, but it still has the same amount of heart that the film has always had. The big ensemble numbers particularly jump from the stage. I had a huge smile on my face the whole way through, I cried quite a bit at numerous parts, particularly in the second act, and I left feeling like a child again, and wanting to see it again. I hope I get another chance to.

Was Charlie Stemp on today? I must admit I was rather disappointed not to see him on Friday night but still enjoyed the show very much.

Released 6th November 💖

I've got Apple music so will bed downloading it tomorrow.

I suppose they felt they had to release it as the most recent version of the show (there are a couple of changes that were introduced after the Australian cast recording was released).

Definitively awful.

Yes, the orchestrations and the balance of the various instruments' sound are far from satisfactory... I'm not sure if they made it sound like this because it is (supposed to be) a live recording.

Only half way through, but loving this new recording. The atmosphere is great!