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Mary Poppins
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
25th May 2016
Reviewed by Mike Danata
On
Opening Night with my friend Denise, I went to see Mary Poppins at the Mayflower
Theatre in Southampton. I had already seen it (three times!) a few years ago in
the West End, and truly loved it! So when it was announced that it would be in
Southampton I did wonder if it could possibly be as good as the West End
Production (knowing that it was Cameron Mackintosh's Theatre in London and he
could adapt his theatre as much as he wanted, to achieve all the remarkable
effects) not so easy when you move everything into a different theatre for a
short run, with varying staging facilities etc!
There were a few omissions and changes I noticed in last night's performance in
Southampton (so few that I'm not even going to mention them), so did it make any
difference to the show? No, not at all! It was as magical as ever and in some
ways, many things were improved on and enhanced! Some of the scenes were so
special, that at times it was as if you were watching the Disney film LIVE ON
STAGE! So colourful and visually appealing, it comes with more than a sprinkling
of "Fairy Dust".
Mary Poppins weaved its magic, to an enchanted audience. An audience of all ages I might add, from kids to pensioners, a show that you can feel "safe with", all good clean family entertainment and fun! (How could Tap Dancing on the ceiling not be fun?!)
"Mary Poppins" being one of the first books I ever read as a child, holds a
special place in my heart. The film arrived and brought the magic to life,
though not as authentic as the book and then many years later the musical
arrived, and now it's on tour. If you think that the film cannot be bettered
then do think again, I loved the film don't get me wrong, but to see, hear and
feel the magic live is a joyous experience...
Suddenly, whatever your age, you are transported into being a child again! The audience on the opening night in Southampton departed the theatre flying as high as any kite (and higher than even Mary Poppins herself!)
If you love a great timeless story with great singing, dancing and magic then
Mary Poppins is an event not to be missed!
© Mike Danata, May 2016