Mary Poppins

Stray Cats’ Mary Poppins was a large-scale production with high production values, featuring a huge cast and a lot of colour.

Clever sets, designed by Bronwyn White and Karen Francis, used multiple levels, lots of trucks and clever projections to create a bright, magical world that enchanted the audience. Lots of colour in the costumes - especially in the production numbers, while lighting designed by Tony Gordon and Karen Francis also used colour to effect.

Performing with a first-rate orchestra of over a dozen people, conducted by Musical Director Vanitha Hart, vocals were also strong are the guidance of Vocal Director Samantha Lillis. 

Lots of huge production numbers had great impact with clever choreography from Rhiannon Francis and Lisa Taylor, executed with enthusiasm and energy.

Stepping into the title role was Stray Cats’ favorite leading lady Kristie Corbishley, playing Mary with polish and precision. She was nicely paired with Azza Gee, a very personable Bert.

Mrs. Banks was pleasantly played by co-choreographer Lisa Taylor, working well alongside Alex White as Mr. Banks. Jane and Michael were ably played by Abigail Wilson Smale and Hugo Crisp Crow, and while their portrayals were strong, I felt that they came across as a little too mature for the roles - accentuated by Jane’s lower hemmed dresses, and Michaels "almost long” trousers which placed them as more adolescent than child.

This show has showy smaller roles in abundance, and while it is impossible to mention them all, there were some stand outs. Bronwyn White made a formidable Mrs. Andrews, Isabella Perth was lovely and very different as both The Birdwoman and Mrs. Corry, and Aaron Clark was a charming Neleus.

The ensemble worked hard throughout, always “on” and conveying bucketloads of enthusiasm.

A charming production that left its audience singing as they left the theatre.

Kimberley Shaw