Mary Poppins UK Tour Review (Alhambra Theatre, Bradford)

24 June 2025 I 19:30 I Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

⭐⭐⭐

As the marvellous family-favourite Mary Poppins continues a sell-out UK tour, Bradford's Alhambra Theatre hosts a proud production of grand proportions. With the desire to deliver a practically perfect evening of magic, conflicting aesthetics each fight to be celebrated, in turn losing the heart of a touching narrative.

It should be noted that Richard Eyre's production value is immensely high, with a mesmerised audience of all ages experiencing nostalgia to first theatrical wonder. While this stage adaptation doesn't entirely resonate with me, there is an admiration to Mary Poppins' ability to beautifully unite and captivate viewers.

In order to replicate the charm of the infamous 1964 Julie Andrews film, Bob Crowley adapts the Banks' home into a towering doll's house, claiming a life of its own amongst a series of monumental set pieces. Often flown in through delicate solos, scenic transitions have a tendency to distract from the stage action. A shallow over-reliance on setting and props, to quote Michael Banks, results in performers appearing small and insignificant opposed to supporting them.

When this visual hierarchy dissipates, there is a spectacular show underneath. Scenes often excel when there is not a focus on illusion. An open stage in Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Step In Time finds the most enchanting stage images, with Bourne & Mear's choreography astounding with such vigour! Allowing for an uncramped and breathable space, these numbers demonstrate the sense of humanity required from family scenes.

The essence of magic doesn't simply come from special effects and scenic glamour, with Stefanie Jones' vocal timbre and eloquent physicality providing a spectacular precision as Mary Poppins. Assured and effortless to exude charming confidence, Jones' majesty needs to be seen to be believed!!

Starring opposite Jack Chambers, his Bert has a mightily impressive way of traversing the stage. Currently touring large venues, Chambers' cartoonish quality of movement enhances the vibrant expressiveness that younger audiences adore.

Lucie-Mae Sumner's Winifred is delightfully presented, finding such a tenderness through Being Mrs. Banks to mark a compassionate social statement on the role of mothers and women in the early 20th century. With incredible clarity, Wendy Ferguson is wickedly fabulous as Miss Andrew. With a remarkable operatic tone, the mystical nanny showdown is a highlight of this production.

The score (originated by the Sherman Brothers with additional music from Stiles & Drewe) initially feels unsettled with many different musical styles, unclear of the show's audible identity. Act One appears to exhibit every trick up the creative's sleeves, seeking pure theatrical spectacle. The second finds a refined style, and truly begins to honour the moral nuances of this beloved story.

Having never previously encountered Disney's Mary Poppins in any medium, an immensely high set of expectations aren't entirely fulfilled. With illusions and grandeur demanding attention, audiences may be left craving humanity behind the magic. Nevertheless, with a clearly enthralled audience, I could still highly recommend seeing Mary Poppins before she flies away!!