Anything can happen in the glorious world of Mary Poppins and in this magnificent production at the Palace Theatre, virtually everything does.
Continue reading “Review: Mary Poppins @The Palace, Manchester”
Tag: Palace Theatre
by Eddie Toomer-McAlpine
A class act ensemble of singing and dancing musicians gave the Palace Theatre a hoe-down it will never forget.
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging performance of the western classic saw stand out performances from BBC’s “I’d Do Anything” star Jodie Prenger (Calamity Jane) and Bobby Delaney (Francis Fryer).
Imaginative direction from Nikolai Foster transformed pianos into stagecoaches and saxophones into shotguns.
Squeals and squeaks in supreme comic timing was what set Jodie Prenger apart from most. Her ability to trust her own comedic instinct and not simply follow the script hooked me in from the start right up until the finish.
Led by the comical prowess of Prenger, the cast exuded charisma and likeability. Charming performances from Paul Kissaun (Rattlesnake) and Matthew James Hinchcliffe (Buck) in some of the smaller but very memorable roles.
Runs till March 28
If there were any doubts about a relatively untried and untested cast in one of Mel Brooks’ most iconic productions, they were well and truly dispelled after just ten minutes into what was a rip-roaring success.
And by the final curtain an appreciative audience roared their approval at a triumph for Manchester comedian Jason Manford, who was a revelation as the timid accountant turned fraudster attempting to become a millionaire by staging a Broadway flop.
There’s always a little trepidation amongst fans of much-loved comics when they take to the stage, but Manford stepped up to the plate well and delivered a performance that will live long in the memory.
However, it was Cory English who deserves greatest praise who was perfect as the the scheming, unscrupulous Max Bialystock.
The Mel Brooks magic could be felt throughout a production which did justice to the raucous outrage which has made the story such a huge success.
Phil Jupitus could have perhaps given the role of psychopathic neo-Nazi writer Franz Liebkind a little more oomph and Louis Spence basically played himself.
But there were some amazing performances from all sections of the cast with David Bedella’s Roger de Bris and Tiffany Graves’ Ulla particularly strong.
Runs till Saturday March 21