Blown in on a gust of theatrical brilliance, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins has landed at Milton Keynes Theatre and what a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious arrival it is!

This isn’t a carbon copy of the beloved film and nor should it be. It’s an exhilarating reinvention: overflowing with heart, humour, imagination and enough stagecraft sparkle to light up the entire city.

 

 

 

Stefanie Jones is sensational as Mary – poise, wit, warmth and wonder rolled into one practically perfect package. Her commanding presence and glorious voice make every entrance feel like an event.

 

Jack Chambers‘ irrepressible Bert is sheer brilliance – effortlessly charismatic, endlessly energetic and his dancing is jaw-dropping. When he quite literally walks up the walls, the audience erupts in delighted disbelief. The chemistry between the two radiates joy, anchoring the whole production in charm and magic.

The choreography, under the genius touch of Matthew Bourne, is electrifying, crisp, athletic and bursting with exuberance. The big ensemble numbers absolutely explode with energy, filling the stage with rhythm, colour and life. “Step in Time” is a mind-blowing masterclass in tap, acrobatics and stamina, the kind of showstopper that leaves you grinning from ear to ear.

 

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is a kaleidoscope of movement and sound, impossibly intricate, gloriously over-the-top and irresistibly joyous. And oh, the London park scene and routine! I absolutely adored it. The colours were breathtakingly beautiful, swirling and shimmering in a dreamlike haze.

 

Statues came to life, the air was filled with whimsy and fantasy, and it all felt like stepping into a living painting – an intensely beautiful, otherworldly moment that had us completely spellbound.

 

The score is a triumphant blend of nostalgia and new magic. With the Sherman Brothers’ timeless classics and fresh material from George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the songs soar, from uplifting anthems that make you dance in your seat to tender ballads that sweep you into an emotional whirlwind. My heart still floats whenever “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” takes flight.

The entire cast is a marvel. Michael D. Xavier gives a nuanced and touching Mr Banks, Lucie-May Sumner shines as the elegant, compassionate Mrs Banks, Patti Boulaye‘s Bird Woman delivers goosebumps in every note and Wendy Ferguson‘s Miss Andrew is a deliciously menacing delight – her “Brimstone and Treacle” number is wickedly good. Young Connie Jones (Jane) and Oli Manning (Michael) are bursting with talent, word-perfect, full of charm and utterly captivating.

 

The entire company – every single performer, dancer, musician, technician, and creative – deserves endless applause. The cast list is far too long to name here, but each and every one contributes to this breathtaking tapestry of talent. Together, they create something truly special: a joyous, seamless, phenomenal production that hums with heart and humanity.

The set, staging, and special effects are beyond belief – seamless, spectacular and truly magical. The Banks’ house unfurls like a living storybook; the rooftops glimmer under starry lights, chimneys smoke and Mary’s bottomless carpet bag continues to defy logic and gravity. Brooms fall from paper bags, rooms tidy themselves, and every transformation feels like a gasp-inducing conjuring trick.

 

The lighting, costumes, sound, and backstage wizardry combine to create a world so rich and immersive that it feels almost cinematic but with that irreplaceable thrill of live theatre.

 

From the first note to the utterly deserved standing ovation, this Mary Poppins is an exhilarating, enchanting, utterly unforgettable experience, funny, moving, dazzling and heart-soaring in every possible way.  The finale will blow you away and leave your heart full to bursting.

Beyond the spectacle, though, lies the heart of Mary Poppins – its message.

 

It’s a story about balance, kindness and the magic of family and love. Through Mary’s gentle but firm guidance, the Banks family learns that love, laughter and imagination are far more valuable than wealth or status.

 

Even the strict Mr Banks rediscovers the joy of flying kites with his children, a simple act that says more than a thousand speeches ever could. It’s a timeless reminder that happiness often hides in the small things – a smile, a song, a shared moment – and that change, when faced with courage and love, can be truly transformative.