Mary Poppins
Milton Keynes Theatre
A fresh east wind has blown into Milton Keynes Theatre this autumn, carrying with it one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s ‘Mary Poppins’ has landed on Cherry Tree Lane once again — and this dazzling touring production really is practically perfect in every way. From the moment the overture begins and the Banks family home glides into view, the audience is wrapped in the glow of nostalgia. This is the ‘Mary Poppins’ we know and love from the beloved 1964 film, yet with enough new magic, depth, and theatrical ingenuity to enchant the next generation.
The story remains timeless: the Banks family are losing their way. George Banks (Michael Xavier), the stern patriarch, is too busy with his work at the bank to appreciate the value of his family around him; Winifred Banks (Lucie-Mae Sumner) is struggling to find her voice as a wife and mother; and their spirited children, Jane and Michael, are longing for love and laughter and parental bonds. Enter Mary Poppins (Stefanie Jones), the practically perfect nanny who arrives on the changing wind, armed with a carpet bag full of surprises and a firm belief that “anything can happen if you let it.” With help from cheeky-chappie Bert (Jack Chambers), Mary helps the family rediscover joy, connection, and imagination.
This production captures that same emotional essence that made the film endure: that blend of wit, wonder, and heartfelt humanity, and soars on the nostalgia it brings. Disney magic and stage magic collide in the most wonderful way, and whether you were there when Mary first flew in or you’re watching her story for the first time, it remains an absolute delight. Beyond its visual dazzle, ‘Mary Poppins’ resonates emotionally. Its core message (that love and imagination matter more than order and wealth) feels timeless and timely all at once. Of course, the Sherman Brothers’ songs are the backbone of the show, and every one of them lands beautifully while remaining impossible not to hum along. “Jolly Holiday” bursts with colour and invention, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” brings the house down, and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” sends spirits soaring high above the rooftops of London. The additional numbers by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (including “Practically Perfect” and “Anything Can Happen”) also fit seamlessly, sounding like they’ve always been a part of the score. Under the direction of musical supervisor Stephen Brooker, the orchestra gives the score a lush, cinematic quality, enveloping the audience in familiar magic.
Bob Crowley’s set is a technical marvel, boasting a grand Edwardian townhouse that opens and closes like a storybook, revealing a nursery, parlour and later rooftops with seamless transitions. The magic also feels hugely real, with every illusion executed with breathtaking precision, and the audience’s audible gasps are proof that the magic truly works. Every detail, from the gas-lamps that flicker to life to the star-studded skyline, brings the same magical quality that we saw on the West End, and a level of production values that few touring shows ever reach. The costume design, also by Crowley, is simply sumptuous, bursting with character, colour and authenticity, evoking early-20th-century London while keeping a playful, almost storybook quality. The choreography, under Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear, is energetic and inventive, and often delivered at breath-taking pace (namely the snappy “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and the roaring “Step in Time”, but full of classic showbiz flair).
Stefanie Jones is superb as Mary Poppins. She balances crisp authority with warmth and sparkle, never straying into impersonation of Julie Andrews yet honouring her legacy. Her soaring voice and impeccable comic timing keep every moment engaging, whether delivering the playful “A Spoonful of Sugar” or the quietly moving “Feed the Birds,” she commands the stage with effortless grace. Jack Chambers brings irresistible charm as Bert. His grin, energy and expert tap dancing fill the stage with life. His rapport with the audience is delightful, particularly during “Step in Time,” where the entire ensemble’s choreography lights up the theatre like a firework display. Michael D Xavier gives George Banks emotional complexity, tracing the character’s journey from rigidity to redemption with touching honesty. His final scenes, when he realises what truly matters, draw genuine tears. Lucie-Mae Sumner as Winifred Banks delivers warmth and nuance, transforming what might be a supporting role into one with real depth and heart. The young actors playing Jane and Michael (played by Connie Jones and Oli Manning on press night) are a joy to watch, bringing fantastic personality and energy and sharing a clear rapport with Jones.
This production proves that world-class musical theatre doesn’t just belong in the West End, and it’s fantastic to see something of this sublime quality being so accessible on tour. ‘Mary Poppins’ is the perfect theatrical outing, full of humour, heart and glorious visuals, and in a world that sometimes feels a little grey, it reminds us that a spoonful of imagination can change everything. As timeless as ever, ‘Mary Poppins’ is a joyous evening of charm, spectacle, and genuine emotion. You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and you’ll leave believing, just as Mary promises, that anything can happen if you let it.
‘Mary Poppins’ runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 22nd November 2025, before continuing on its UK tour to Cardiff and Liverpool.
Performance runtime 2 hours 50 minutes including interval.
Details at –
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre
