There’s no one like the world’s favourite nanny to bring some magic and sparkle to these uncertain times. In today’s blog we look at some fact and figures about Mary Poppins’ ventures on the musical theatre stage and how you can enjoy a spoonful of sugar from the comfort of your own home…

Flying into Birmingham

The original stage adaptation of Mary Poppins actually had its world premiere at Bristol Hippodrome in the autumn of 2004 for a period of previews before officially opening at the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End that December.

The production finally made its way to Birmingham Hippodrome for its regional premiere in 2008, running for just under three months of performances. Due to the technical demands of the show, special adjustments to the theatre had to be made including a platform and entrance high in the auditorium ceiling to enable Mary to fly high above the audience at the close of the show. Mary Poppins returned to Birmingham for seven weeks in 2016 delighting more children and adults alike…

A change in the wind

The original London production of Mary Poppins closed in 2008 after a run of over three years. Eleven years later, in 2019 the famous nanny flew back into the West End and the production’s original home, the Prince Edward with Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins, Charlie Stemp as Burt and Petula Clark as the Bird Woman.

That year, the cast performed a selection of highlights from the show at the Royal Variety Performance – you can watch the full performance at home here…

Movie magic

Obviously one of the best ways to enjoy a Jolly Holiday from home is with a viewing of the original 1964 movie complete with a timeless and unforgettable performance from Julie Andrews and some magical animation sequences.

In 2018, Emily Blunt picked up the famous carpet bag and umbrella for Mary Poppins Returns which sees the magical nanny returning to Cherry Tree Lane to check up on the lives of Jane and Michael Banks. You can stream both titles on Disney+ here.

Step in time

One of the undeniable highlights of the stage show is Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, featuring brilliant choreography by Hippodrome favourite, Sir Matthew Bourne.

In the video below, you can learn the intricate dance moves at home – get practising and be sure to share the practically perfect results with us and your family.

A cover is not the book

Finally, there is no better way to set off an adventure with Mary Poppins and the Banks family than with the original set of novels by P.L.Travers. You can purchase the full collection of six stories on Amazon here.

You can also delve into the story of how writer P.L.Travers and film producer Walt Disney came together to create the original screen adaptation with the 2013 film Saving Mr. Banks starring Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks – watch on Disney+ here.