Hey Theatre Goers,

A gust of wind has swept through Birmingham, and with it comes a spellbinding burst of theatrical brilliance Mary Poppins has arrived at the Hippodrome, and audiences are being whisked away on a journey that’s as heartwarming as it is unforgettable. From the moment the it begins, there’s a palpable excitement in the air, a sense that something truly magical is about to unfold and it absolutely delivers.

Stepping into the theatre feels like entering another world. The grandeur of the Hippodrome provides the perfect stage for this lavish production, where every detail has been polished to perfection. From the intricate set pieces to the dazzling costumes, this show doesn’t just entertain it immerses. The transformation onto the stage is so vivid and alive, it feels as though the audience has been invited to walk the cobbled streets of Cherry Tree Lane alongside the characters.

And then she arrives poised, elegant, and impossibly graceful Mary Poppins descends from the skies and straight into the hearts of everyone in the room. With razor sharp wit, a twinkle in her eye, and a voice that floats as effortlessly as she does, the actress in the title role delivers a performance that is nothing short of iconic. She balances kindness with command, mystery with familiarity, embodying the very essence of Mary Poppins while making the role unmistakably her own. Opposite her, Bert the chimney sweep dazzles with boyish charm and athletic wonder, leaping, spinning, and tapping his way through every scene with infectious energy that never lets up.

What truly elevates this production beyond expectation is its seamless blend of classic charm and modern stagecraft. There are moments of pure theatrical sorcery books that fly, umbrellas that float, and rooftops that come alive under a moonlit sky. When Mary lifts into the air, soaring above the audience, the collective gasp is genuine. It's a moment that silences the theatre in wonder and reminds even the most cynical adults of the thrill of believing in the impossible. 

The musical numbers are a joyous parade of nostalgia and innovation. Familiar favourites like “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” are met with cheers and clapping hands, while newer compositions blend in seamlessly, enriching the narrative and deepening the emotional arc of the story. The choreography is tight, vibrant, and overflowing with life particularly in showstoppers like “Step in Time,” which brings the house down with its rhythmic brilliance and jaw-dropping feats of movement.

But for all its spectacle and sparkle, Mary Poppins never loses its emotional core. At its heart, this is a story about family, about rediscovering joy, about learning to see the world through new eyes. The children, Jane and Michael, are portrayed with warmth and believability, capturing the shift from mischief to meaning as Mary guides them (and their parents) toward something brighter. There are tender moments, laugh out-loud scenes, and even quiet reflections that leave the audience sitting still, wrapped in the spell of it all.

What’s most extraordinary is how universal the experience feels. Children sit wide eyed and entranced. Adults find themselves humming along, grinning at the clever dialogue, even wiping away the occasional tear. Mary Poppins doesn’t just entertain it stirs something deep, that long lost sense of wonder we often forget we need. It’s the kind of show that reminds you why live theatre matters. Why sitting in a darkened room full of strangers, watching magic happen in real time, is an experience that stays with you.

As the curtain falls and the cast takes their bow, the applause is thunderous and entirely earned. It’s not just appreciation it’s gratitude. Gratitude for a night that brought joy, laughter, and a little bit of impossible magic to Birmingham. The Hippodrome has hosted many great productions over the years, but Mary Poppins has set a new benchmark. It's not just a show it's an experience, and one that proves, without a doubt, that anything can happen if you let it.

With Love,