Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is great family entertainment and this production was great community theatre. The level of professionalism shown in direction, performance, lighting and design was top-tier.

Not many community theatre companies have the luxury of performing in a proscenium-arch theatre and the refurbished art-deco Empire Theatre with its fly-tower and full technical facilities is a venue to die for. Director and choreographer Alison Vallette took full advantage of what was at hand and with her on-stage cast of 42, 15 backstage singers, and an orchestra of 12, delivered what has to be one of the best community theatre productions of the year.

Mary Poppins is not an easy musical to stage with its multiple locations, multiple characters, plus a title character who flies, but with the help of some inventive art design by Bill Haycock, Debra Nairn’s colourful costumes based on the originals, and Timothy Panitz’s lighting and Steve Alexander’s sound, it satisfied it’s target audience.

Shannon Gralow’s Mary Poppins not only had spunk and lemon-drop tartness to her, she was adorably appealing and the epitome of P.J. Travers’ English nanny. She sang like a lark, tap-danced with frenzy, and flew up into the flies like a kite. She was “practically perfect in every way” as she sang in the best of Stiles and Drewe’s additional songs created for the stage version of the story.

Justin Tamblyn’s chimney-sweep Bert was a perfect partner for her, singing and dancing his heart out over London’s rooftops whilst suspended from a flying-harness. Anytime they were together on stage it was magic and a joy to watch. Thanks to them leading the company, “Jolly Holiday”, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, “Spoonful of Sugar” and “Step in Time” were the showstoppers they’re supposed to be.

Mr Banks’ character arc from authoritative bully to pathos is one of the strengths of the show and Brendan Walmsley showed he not only ruled his household, but also the stage. It was a fine performance. Lisa Sherman (Winifred Banks), Sophie Little (Jane), and Aleksandr Little (Michael) also did excellent work, whilst Vicky Bravery channelled Mrs Patmore in Downton Abbey as the cook Mrs Brill, Mary Lou Lynch played Miss Andrew like the wicked witch of the west, and Heather Gillies sang “Feed the Birds” with feeling.

In cameo roles, Andrew Sutton (Park Keeper), Rupert Bevan (Robertson Ay), Richard Chiverell (Admiral Boom) and Callie Gibbings (Miss Lark) were all audience favourites.

Lorraine Fuller pulled a big sound out of the 12-piece orchestra, but it was truly Alison Vallette’s show. Her choreography and staging were simply a knockout which the audience acknowledged by deservedly giving the show a standing ovation at the finale.

Peter Pinne             

Images (from top): Welcome back Mary - Bert (Justin Tamblyn) , Mary Poppins (Shannon Gralow), Jane (Sophie Little, Lauren Baryla) and Michael (Harrison Panitz and Alek Little); Supercal Playoff - Bert and Ensemble (Justin Tamblyn); Step in Time - Chimney Sweep ensemble, Michael and Jane Banks (Alek and Sophie Little) with Mary Poppins (Shannon Gralow); Brimstone and Treacle: Miss Andrew (Mary Lou Lynch), Winifred Banks (Lisa Skerman), Jane Banks (Lauren Baryla- Sophie Little is behind her), Mrs Brill (Vicki Bravery), Michael Banks (Harrison Panitz and Alek Little) and Robertson Ay (Rupert Bevan); Lucky Sweep - Bert and Michael Banks (Justin Tamblyn and Alek Little) & Nursery - Michael, Winifred and Jane (Alek Little, Lisa Skerman, Sophie Little).