Theatre Review: Mary Poppins at the Bristol Hippodrome

Rating: ★★★★★

Running Dates: Monday 4th November – Saturday 30th November 2024

Last night, I stepped into Bristol’s very own West End theatre, the Bristol Hippodrome, to experience the magic of Mary Poppins live on stage. I was so delighted to be experiencing this beloved childhood classic film at such an iconic venue as the Bristol Hippodrome.

Having opened in 1912, the Bristol Hippodrome is a Grade II-listed theatre renowned for its grand Edwardian architecture and rich history as Bristol’s premier destination for West End productions, operas, ballets, and concerts. Over the years, it has hosted legendary shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, The Lion King, and Mamma Mia! Its historic grandeur sets the most enchanting atmosphere for an evening of escapism, and Mary Poppins certainly did not disappoint.

The production brought the iconic story of everyone’s favourite nanny to life in a whole new way and was simply more enchanting than ever. For most of the performance, at the risk of being scolded by Mary Poppins, I had my mouth open like a codfish in astonishment at the complete magic that was taking place in front of my eyes. From the phenomenal scale of the set design and seamless flow of transitions to the stunning theatrical effects, each moment was a visual feast.

The cast delivered exceptional performances across the board. Jane Banks was played by Florence Swann, while Michael Banks was played by Charlie Donald in his professional debut. The talent and confidence showcased by these children are simply extraordinary. You can also expect to see acclaimed Australian stars Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers, who have both received critical acclaim for their performances. It was a joy to see local talent Rhys Batten as part of the ensemble, marking a full-circle moment since his debut at the Hippodrome in 2006.

One standout moment was the show-stopping “Step in Time,” a high-energy tap routine led by Burt and the chimney sweeps. The choreography was breath-taking, as was the outstanding live orchestra conducted with passion by Isaac McCullough. Alongside classic songs by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman, the production also features fresh numbers by the Oliver award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, adding new excitement to the show.

The evening brought waves of nostalgia, taking me back to childhood evenings watching Mary Poppins on VHS, umbrella in hand, singing along with every word. Seeing the magic of Mary Poppins brought to life honed in on the fact that it’s timeless with universal appeal for all generations. By the final curtain, I was overwhelmed with joy and moved to tears by the sheer magic of it all.

To experience this wonder for yourself, head to www.atgtickets.com to book tickets. Mary Poppins runs until 30th November, but the Hippodrome’s stellar programming ensures there’s always something to look forward to.

For the complete theatre experience, start with an early dinner at The Square Club on leafy Berkeley Square, just a short walk down Park Street from the theatre. Planning to stay overnight? Treat yourself to the luxurious Berkeley Suites, recently awarded the Condé Nast Award for Excellence. It’s the ideal way to complete a magical night at the theatre.