Attending RMT Youth and Roar Academy's production of Mary Poppins Junior was like stepping into a spoonful of sugar—sweet, uplifting, and full of youthful energy. This beloved tale of magic and mischief was brought to life by a talented cast of young performers who poured their hearts into every moment. I was lucky enough to witness both casts perform, which gave me a greater appreciation for the unique interpretations each group brought to their characters. Even though they had to squeeze such a big story into a junior-sized package, the show kept up its sprightly pace, and the magic never flew away with the wind.
For those who may have been living under a rock, 'Mary Poppins the Musical' brings fresh layers to the beloved 1964 film. While the heart of the story remains—Mary Poppins flies into Cherry Tree Lane to bring order and magic to the Banks family—there are notable differences. Mrs. Banks struggles to find her place in high society rather than as a suffragette, and Mr. Banks' stern outlook is shaped by his own strict childhood nanny, Miss Andrew, who makes an unexpected return. Jane and Michael are much more defiant than their film counterparts. Plus, with new songs the stage adaptation adds fresh magic to this timeless tale.
Taking on the iconic role of Mary Poppins is no small task—practically perfect is a high standard to meet! But both Zoe Hitchcock and Tamsyn Doyle rose to the occasion with grace. Zoe’s vocals were a delight, particularly in 'Feed the Birds' and 'Practically Perfect'. Meanwhile, Tamsyn’s voice was warm and expressive in 'Chim Chim Cheree' and 'Anything Can Happen'. Both actresses mastered Mary’s signature poise, wit, and cheek while handling a role that keeps them on stage almost constantly.
Jane Banks is a feisty little spitfire, and both actresses who played her nailed that spark. Saana Chang looked like she’d walked straight out of the storybook, delivering Jane’s sass with confidence and showcasing a stunning singing voice. Beyond her solo work, Saana’s dance skills—when she wasn’t playing Jane—were equally impressive. Alessia Monteverde, having previously played the role, was also a natural as Jane. Her gorgeous singing voice and assured stage presence shone through and her bond with Michael (played by Felix Jordan) was particularly sweet. She subtly guided him throughout, ensuring he always knew where to be in a way that felt like true sibling support. Speaking of Michael—the other actor, Riordan Francis, looked dapper in his suit, delivering his lines with comedic timing well beyond his years. Both his and Felix's natural humour made some of the funniest moments in the show shine.
Toby Bailey was excellent as Bert. His Cockney accent, expressive gestures, and confident stage presence made him a charismatic narrator, guiding us through the whimsical twists and turns of the tale. His physicality was particularly impressive—after all, you don’t want a Bert who stands still while delivering his lines! Plus, Toby doubled up as Von Hussler, who was equally entertaining, with over-the-top theatrics that had the audience in stitches.
The Banks family dynamics were beautifully played. Ruby Marriott and Mia Dacey were both wonderful as Winifred Banks. They looked the part with elegant period-appropriate costumes and hairstyles, and despite being teenagers, they gracefully embodied the role of a mother with sweet singing voices and poised performances. Their elegant costumes and composed stage presence made them entirely believable. Joshua Darcey’s George Banks was equally solid—he carried himself with authority but knew when to let the cracks show in his character’s journey.
Then, of course, there was Miss Andrew—the terrifying opposite of Mary Poppins. Zahlee Brackstone and Tylah-Jay Foster made sure this strict disciplinarian left her mark. Tylah-Jay’s 'Brimstone and Treacle' in particular was a showstopper, demonstrating her impressive vocal control and commanding stage presence. She’s someone I can absolutely imagine taking on this role in a full-scale production.
Among the other featured roles, Lauren Gittins and Emily Winwood brought a memorable dramatic flair to Mrs. Corry, while Layla Al Samaraie and Zola Bulan gave lovely performances as the Bird Woman. Zola, in particular, delivered 'Feed the Birds' with a haunting beauty. Tyler Haynes and Riordan Francis were a scene-stealers as Robertson Ay, milking every moment for laughs.
The set design was simple but effective, using projections, twinkling star lights, and moving set pieces to create the illusion of London. The tricks with Mary’s carpet bag and the kite were cleverly executed, adding a touch of theatre magic to the experience. While this production couldn't include the iconic Mary Poppins flight, the use of projections kept the illusion intact.
Choreographically, the production was bursting with energy. 'Step in Time' was a tap-dancing, tumbling-filled highlight, while 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' featured the original complex choreography that even the youngest cast members tackled with enthusiasm and mastered. The youngest cast members, dressed as bees during 'A Spoonful of Sugar', were particularly adorable—earning their fair share of “aww” moments from the audience.
The technical aspects were well-managed, with clear sound, effective lighting, and costumes that perfectly suited the time period. Special mention to music maestro Rhonda Davidson-Irwin for crafting vocal magic in 'Anything Can Happen' and 'Let’s Go Fly a Kite,' with the powerful voices of the entire ensemble.
The direction by Madeleine Johns was well thought out, but it was clear that some cast members were more focused on making sure they were in the right spots for scenes rather than fully immersing themselves in the moment. There were also a few lulls due to forgotten lines, but considering the complexity of the show and the young age of the performers, these were completely understandable and didn’t detract from the overall experience.
In short, 'Mary Poppins Junior' was a smash! The cast and crew's passion and meticulous preparation brought this classic tale to life with warmth and enchantment. Roar Academy has once again proven its ability to cultivate young talent, and they left me feeling inspired and uplifted.
Mary Poppins: Tamsyn Doyle / Zoe Hitchcock
Bert: Toby Bailey
George Banks: Joshua Darcey
Winifred Banks: Ruby Marriott / Mia Dacey
Jane Banks: Alessia Monteverde / Saana Chang
Michael Banks: Felix Jordan / Riordan Francis
Miss Andrew: Tylah-Jay Foster / Zahlee Brackstone
Bird Woman: Layla Al Samaraie / Zola Bulan
Mrs. Corry: Emily Winwood / Lauren Gittins
Mrs. Brill: Eleanor Bailey / Zoe George
Robertson Ay: Riordan Francis / Tyler Haynes
Director / Producer: Madeleine Johns
Musical Director: Rhonda Davidson-Irwin
Vocal Coach: Anthony Van Stam
Choreographer: Meredith Johns and Mike Lapot
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