REVIEW: Mary Poppins, Theatre Royal Norwich

The umbrella has landed! A summer treat is on offer for the next five weeks as the Cameron Mackintosh stage version of the 1964 Julie Andrews movie, Mary Poppins, arrives in Norwich.

It’s a big scale production on all levels, with 30-odd in the cast, a full orchestra, endless costumes and a very clever set that’s just like a pop-up picture book, complete with an attic bedroom, basement kitchen, and roof top perching area.

The show has all your favourites tunes such as A Spoonful of Sugar, Jolly Holiday, and Feed the Birds, plus a few new ones, with my favourite routines being a very energetic Sugarcalifragilistic, and Step in Time, with all the Sweeps which was super fast!

The title role is played by one of the all-conquering Strallen sisters, Zizi, who makes her Mary a little bit cheeky, a little bit quirky. There’s also a lot more dancing, too, as Zizi is an accomplished dancer, who often performs with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures - and the great man is also the show’s co director and choreographer which shows.. Matt Lee is very likeable as loveable sweep Bert, Rebecca Lock is a perfect Mrs Banks while Milo Twomey gives his Mr Banks an air of vulnerability. Special mention must go to ten-year- olds, Georgie Hill and Jabez Cheeseman, who play Jane and Michael, and are on stage for

almost all the show.

And if you’re wondering about any flying - well, you won’t be disappointed but I don’t want to give the game away!

The show is a lovely family one, which Mary herself would probably describe as ‘practically perfect’.

The show continues until July 30, visit www.theatrroyalnorwich.co.uk

Sarah Hardy