Review: Mary Poppins flies in for a stunning show at Norwich Theatre Royal
Mary Poppins at Norwich Theatre Royal. - Credit: Archant
It is a magical film and book with a timeless charm.
And now Mary Poppins has flown onto the Norwich Theatre Royal stage in a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show bursting with high-flying thrills, spills and more thrills.
The Richard Eyre-directed production has landed in Norwich for the next month and is a veritable feast for the eyes and ears.
If it were a meal, Mary Poppins would be a five-course banquet fit for both a king and queen.
For starters, appetisers and even entrees, there are the sumptuous sets – always a highlight at the Norwich Theatre Royal – which are epic.
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These creative canvases are not only jaw-dropping in terms of how they look but also in how they help bring the rip-roaring production to life – quite literally at times.
The backdrops are not only beautifully and boldly composed, they are also packed with high-tech features which add some surprises to the show.
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Moving onto the main course we have the wonderful cast spearheaded by the amazing Zizi Strallen as the world's favourite nanny.
It was an enchanting performance by Strallen who was faultless as the lead and showed she was more than capable of rising to the challenge of emerging from a Julie Andrews-shaped shadow.
Matt Lee too shone as the happy-chappy chimney sweep Burt, while Wendy Ferguson (Mrs Brill) and Blair Anderson (Robertson Ay) also helped put a smile on the face.
Special mention must also go to Georgie Hill and Jabez Cheeseman who were not only sweet but sensational too as Jane and Michael Banks. The youngsters were a revelation from start to finish, demonstrating a stage presence beyond their tender years. Add to this a sprinkling of much- loved songs – A Spoonful of Sugar, Let's Go Fly a Kite, Chim Chim Cher-ee – and some dazzling choreography and you have a magical, must-see dream of a show which is too good to miss... or probably even see only once.
Peter Walsh
Mary Poppins runs at Norwich Theatre Royal until July 30. For tickets call 01603 630000.
