Book by Julian
Fellowes
Original Music and
Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
New Songs and
additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Directed by Stephen
Colyer
Free Rain Theatre
production
Canberra Theatre 14 –
29 March, 2015
Review by Len Power
14 March 2015
There’s a new song written for the stage version of ‘Mary
Poppins’ called ‘Practically Perfect’. I
can’t think of a better description to describe Free Rain’s production
currently playing at the Canberra Theatre.
Based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt
Disney movie, the new stage musical of ‘Mary Poppins’ opened in London in 2004
and played with great success internationally, including Australia in 2010. It’s not a straight adaptation of the movie
to the stage. Incidents from the books
not included in the movie have been added and new songs have been written to
complement the beloved songs from the movie.
It’s been so superbly constructed that it can’t really be compared to the
movie.
Director, Stephen Colyer, has produced a stylish, energetic
and colourful show with a brilliant cast.
Alinta Chidzey commands the stage as Mary Poppins in a wonderfully
appealing performance, singing and dancing beautifully. Shaun Rennie as Bert, the chimney sweep,
gives a warm, athletic performance and is in great voice also. Colin Milner as the father, George Banks, movingly
plays and sings the suppressed emotions of the role and Christine Wallace as
Mrs Banks is charming and in fine voice. Bronwyn Sullivan, unrecognizable as the
Birdwoman, sings ‘Feed The Birds’ with great feeling. She is also a delightfully frightening Miss
Andrews, the nanny from hell, and Anita Davenport displays great comic timing
as Mrs Brill, the cook. The roles of the
children, Jane and Michael Banks, are alternating during the season. The children on opening night played their
large roles perfectly. The large
supporting cast provide excellent cameo performances. In particular, Brian Daley was very funny as
the elderly Bank Chairman, Steve Galinec had a wonderful moment as the park
keeper rediscovering his childhood with a kite and Alicia Da Costa as Mrs
Corry, the magic sweet shop owner, shines in the
‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ number.
Choreographer, Jacquelyn Richards, has given us clever,
imaginative, amusing and polished dancing of a very high standard. The substantial set, designed by Gez Xavier
Mansfield, and constructed by Greg Murphy Scenery, whizzes in and out and up
and down, creating a magic of its own.
It’s complemented with the fine lighting of Phil Goodwin. Sound design by Doc Shackleton also works
very well with sound balances just right between performers and orchestra. Musical direction by Ian McLean is excellent
and played very well by the large orchestra.
Costumes by Fiona Leach are colourful, stylish and nicely in period.
Apart from the professional leads and director, it’s hard to
believe this is essentially a non-professional show. It really is as good as anything you’ll see
on the professional stage and will appeal to adults and children alike. Whatever you do, don’t miss it!
Originally broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Dress Circle’ showbiz program
with Bill Stephens on Sunday 15 March 2015 from 5pm.