Mary Poppins flies into Nelson

Mary Poppins is flying into the Theatre Royal this September, and it’s set to be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

In what is to be one of the largest musicals ever produced in Nelson, with a budget of $130,000, it promises to be a visual feast for young and old.

“It utilises the same lavish touring set, vibrant costumes and effects as what was seen at both the Civic Theatre in Auckland and the Court Theatre in Christchurch,” says vice president of the Nelson Musical Theatre, Jane Baken.

With 15 shows in total, Jane says it has been three years in the making for the company and they are thrilled to finally bring the musical to Nelson for the first time with the help of principal sponsor, NBS.

“We had plans to produce it last year, but it was obviously canned because of Covid-19. It’s been quite a build-up to get to this point.

“It’s going to be really impressive - there will be all the illusions and magic you’d expect, and some very unexpected things will happen which will look pretty amazing in a live context.”

Adapted from the stories by PL Travers and the original film, the musical is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh, with the script developed by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes.

The classic songs ‘Jolly Holiday’, ‘Step in Time’, ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ a ‘Feed the Birds’ will all feature as well as some new songs and additional music and lyrics.

The show will be supported by a live 16-piece orchestra to give it that “grand touch”, Jane says.

“The Theatre Royal orchestra pit doesn’t often get utilised in this way, and it’s been quite a feat to put it all together.”

The cast of around 40 is fronted by Mackenzie Gardner as Mary Poppins.

The running time of the show is about two-and-a-half hours with an interval and Jane says it is “100 per cent” appropriate for the entire family.

“A grandma or a five-year-old could come and it would be great.”

Mary Poppins is on at the Theatre Royal from September 4 to 25.

Performances will feature both matinee and evening shows throughout the run to ensure as many people as possible get to enjoy the show.