Mary Poppins: Practically Perfect on Stage

By Emma Kate MIller

Mary Poppins was a firm fixture in our household, often on repeat alongside The Sound of Music. So when the musical first landed at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2008, we leapt at the chance to experience it live. My daughters, then just three and four, were spellbound—well, almost. The youngest, a birthday girl, opted for a post-interval nap on her daddy’s knee. We missed Mary’s magical return to the Festival Theatre in 2016, but now, at 19 and 20, I’m wondering if they’ll join me for a spoonful of nostalgia as Mary Poppins lands on stage at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre this January.

For us, Mary Poppins was never just about the iconic songs or magical effects; it was about the spirit of the women. Glynis Johns’ Winifred Banks—sash-clad and fighting for suffrage—and Julie Andrews’ Mary, the epitome of headstrong capability, grace, and control. These were quietly boundary-pushing women who always had the final word—perfect role models for little girls then, and still today.

Bringing such an iconic, subtly powerful story to the stage is no small task, but Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical deliver it with aplomb. Celebrating 20 years since its world premiere, this soaring Mary Poppins musical embarks on its 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour, bursting with magic, wit, and empowering charm.

Stefanie Jones, reprising her acclaimed role as Mary, strikes the perfect balance between no-nonsense authority and twinkling warmth. Jones, who also shone as Liesl von Trapp in The Sound of Music, is one to watch. Meanwhile, Lucie-Mae Sumner brings heart and depth to Winifred Banks. A graduate of the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Academy of Music, Sumner most recently wowed audiences as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain at Kilworth House.

And in a special treat, West End legend Patti Boulaye—whose illustrious career spans 50 years across theatre, film, and television—stars as the Bird Woman, a role that adds even more poignancy to this magical production.

Whether you grew up with Mary Poppins or are introducing her to a new generation, this production proves that a little magic, music, and a healthy dose of quiet rebellion are as irresistible as ever—practically perfect, in fact.

Catch Mary Poppins at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre for a post-Christmas pep-up from 22 January–15 February 2025.

Tickets on sale now
Visit capitaltheatres.com for more details.