Spotted: Mary Poppins at the Botanicals!

Reported by Grace Hatchell (age 9¾, honorary child for the day)

Well, blow me a raspberry and call me Jane Banks – guess who flew into Brum last week with a carpet bag full of magic? Only Mary Poppins herself! And guess what – she brought Bert along for a ‘Jolly Holiday’ at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There were birds, blooms and brollies galore – and yes, she’s just as practically perfect in person.

They’re in town for a six-week stop at the Birmingham Hippodrome, and let me tell you – it’s not just any old nanny job she’s here for. This one’s a full-blown musical masterpiece packed with whizzy effects, jaw-dropping dancing, and songs you can’t help but hum for days. Step in Time, anyone?

This Mary Poppins is the big-time Cameron Mackintosh and Disney version – think magical staircases, chimney sweeps who can defy gravity, and a spoonful of everything spectacular. The show’s got all the classics from the brilliant Sherman Brothers (Feed the Birds = emotional damage), plus toe-tapping new tunes by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe – the clever clogs behind Honk! and other brilliant bits.

With Julian Fellowes scribbling the script (yes, the Downton Abbey bloke), and choreography from legends like Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear, this show is slicker than a penguin in tap shoes. Bob Crowley’s costumes will make you want to raid Mary’s wardrobe (I’m starting with the hat).

Now listen – I know I said I was just reporting the news, but between you and me, something magical happened. I was minding my own beeswax near the rose garden, trying to spot a squirrel wearing a top hat (standard Tuesday), when who should glide past but Mary ruddy Poppins! She looked me square in the eye, tipped her hat, and said, “Spit spot, Grace – you’ve got work to do.” Next thing I know, we’re waltzing through the wisteria, Bert’s spinning his broom like he’s in a dance-off, and I swear the ducks started quacking in harmony. She even let me hold the umbrella – and no, I’m not saying I flew, but I did feel a little bit lighter on my feet after. Honestly? Best day ever. 10/10, would tidy a nursery again.

Mary Poppins is on now until Saturday 23 August, so grab your tickets quicker than you can say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (spelled it without Googling, thank you very much).

🎟️ Book at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or give ‘em a bell on 0121 689 3000.
🕰️ I’ll be the one in the front row with my socks pulled up and my best “oh Mary!” face on.

About the Author

TheatreVillage

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Who Is Andrew “The Guvnor” of Theatre Village? (As delivered by Grace Hatchell, 2nd Act Couriers, First Class & Slightly Nosy Service) Now then… if you’ve spent any time wandering through Theatre Village, you’ll have felt it. That hum. That buzz. That sense that somewhere, behind the curtain, someone’s pulling the strings, brewing the tea, and making sure the spotlight actually turns on. That, my lovely lot, would be Andrew. Or as I’ve taken to calling him… The Guvnor. I

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