Mary Poppins at the Bristol Hippodrome Review
Mary Poppins
Bristol Hippodrome
29 October to 28 November 2015
Reviewed by Sarah Hicks
I was lucky enough to watch the Disney and Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins at the Bristol Hippodrome theatre last night and I have to say it was a true evening of entertainment. From the moment the show opened, you could tell this was going to be something special…
Mary Poppins flew into Bristol a week or so ago and is on until Sat 28 November before carrying on with its UK and Ireland tour. I have to say, if you get the chance to see this show, DO, it’s fabulous.
From the moment the production starts – in Cherry Tree Lane – the sets, the costumes, the cast, the music, the singing and the dancing are amazing. Cherry Tree Lane itself is like a huge dolls house which lifts from its backdrop to set the scene for many of the acts and songs.
Mary Poppins – played by Zizi Strallen is just perfect – or practically perfect if I’m to take her at her own words! She had a real grace and presence on stage that I don’t think I’ve witnessed before – all assisted by the fact her costumes are beautiful and so elegant – I was really rather jealous of her wardrobe by the end of the show! I should say the attention to detail with all the cast was just wonderful to see – spit-spot all round really! And of course she FLYS!! How great is that – who wouldn’t be jealous of Mary!!
Bert, George & Winifred Banks and the children Michael and Jane, make up the rest of the main cast and all were superbly played, evoking various emotions during their performances. The rest of the supporting cast also do such a fantastic job with all the singing and dancing during the show, it really does make this a feel good experience.
We attended an evening performance of Mary Poppins with my two children and my mum – Lily is 8 and Sid is 6, both of them (along with the adults) also really enjoyed the whole experience – it was the first time they had been to the theatre to see anything other than a pantomime – this was really a perfect first step away from the whole “he’s behind you” type show – Lily in particular loved it! She was singing in her seat and had a huge grin on her face the whole time – especially when Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious came on – that was a real highlight – I’m still amazed at the brilliant choreography for this performance particularly – all the actors certainly know their business and performing this proves they are the best!
The Bristol Hippodrome is a wonderful Theatre which is over 100 years old – it’s full of character and provided a perfect backdrop to Mary Poppins – there is some very magical flying and walking up walls and ceilings that goes on during the performance (which my children, and me if I’m honest) are still trying to figure out!
The whole experience is more than worthy of a 5/5 – really, if you get the chance to visit this show – DO!! I can see my children wanting to watch the movie time and time again for a while – but I’m not sure it’s even going to come close to what we all experienced last night.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £22.50 to £62.50 (booking fees may apply).
Mary Poppins is at the Bristol Hippodrome until 28 November 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3012.
Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ | 0844 871 3012
