‘Anything can happen’ during Mary Poppins as one visitor found out when she went into labour during the show!

Shona and family with baby Kasper, Hippodrome Staff and Mary Poppins cast members Zizi Strallen and Matt Lee

New mum Shona Jorkowski returned to Birmingham Hippodrome today, just over four weeks after her waters dramatically broke during a performance of Mary Poppins at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Visiting with newborn baby Kasper, delighted sisters Seren and Cally and her mother-in-law Angie, Hippodrome staff surprised Shona by unveiling a new seat plaque dedicated to her son, which reads ‘Baby Kasper 16.3.16 Practically Perfect in Every Way’.

Mary Poppins cast members Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins) and Matt Lee (Bert) joined Shona and family for photos, along with Front of House staff Jonathan Thompson and Kirsty McTighe who were there on the night to help.

Shona recalls the dramatic start to her labour:

Kasper's seat plaque
Kasper’s seat plaque

“We booked the show last year, not long after finding out I was pregnant. The date was close to my due date but as I went overdue with both of my daughters I wasn’t worried.

“A few days beforehand I was getting niggles but nothing to signal I was close to giving birth. I remarked to Angie, my mother-in-law and my daughters that the baby was being very active during the songs, joking how big a fan of Mary Poppins they were. The second act started and I was looking forward to “Step in Time” however just as the scene started I all of a sudden felt a pop and realised my waters had gone!

“The usher was very helpful and we were soon joined by Front of House staff Jonathan and Craig. I started to feel very shaky and they were brilliant, making me a cup of tea and providing a snack.

Shona with baby Kasper
Shona with baby Kasper

“My contractions were just starting and they helped me backstage to contact my husband and midwife. They kept my mind off it all and I appreciate their help and support and their name suggestions of ‘Mary’ or ‘Bert’. They stayed with me until my husband arrived and waved us off.

“We welcomed our baby boy Kasper Jorkowski into the world on 16 March and in his memory box is a programme and poster from the show and we have such a great story to tell. Everyone at the Hippodrome was very supportive and their kindness will stay with us.”

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Head of Customer Service Jonathan Thompson added:

“It was hot water and towels at the ready in the office, just in case Kasper decided to arrive during the show, but thankfully this was only needed to make a cup of sweet tea! It’s such a pleasure to welcome all the family back today and surprise them with the seat plaque dedicated to Kasper”.

Do you have something special to celebrate? Anyone can Name A Seat at Birmingham Hippodrome – from £250.