Broadway has come to Sydney in the form of the classic fable Mary Poppins, and this production is huge and a visual spectacular.

Loosely based on the novel by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, this is a trip down memory lane as everyone has a favourite tune that they can recite at any notice. You can sit back, think back to the time when you believed in Santa Claus, and embrace your inner child to enjoy what unravels in front of you.

We all know the story of Mary Poppins. Two mischievous children, Jane and Michael Banks (played beautifully by Lexie Duncan and Cameron Holmes) are going through nannies to the distress of parents George Banks (Philip Quast) and Winifred Banks (Natalie Alexopoulos) until the practically perfect Mary Poppins (Verity Hunt-Ballard) arrives and with her spoon full of sugar bringing some happiness to their lives.

Director Richard Eyre has created something that works very well on the stage, the magic that is Mary Poppins is beautifully engaging with the audience and takes them off on a dreamlike journey. The musical stimulates the viewer’s imagination with the vivid costumes, storybook style set and energetic dance numbers.

Bob Crowley brings us visual heaven with the sets and costumes. The set is over the top with child like drawings and pop up book style set but it is amazing to watch it unfold on stage.

Now lets talk about the costumes… they are fabulous! The Victorian period dress is captured perfectly but there is also creative flair used to take it that step further into a dream like state. The costumes when in the painting or when in the park dancing with sculptures or in the Mrs Corry’s lolly shop, all take the story to the imaginary wonder that is Mary Poppins.

The cast are all very strong and engaging. Matt Lee as Bert is charming and cheeky, but it is worthwhile to see this production just simply to see Matt without a hat and yes he has hair!! Debra Byrne is warm and endearing as the Bird Woman. Judi Connelli is freakishly good as Miss Andrews and gives you a chill at the idea of having her special medicine. Stand out of me was the very funny Sally-Anne Upton as struggling housekeeper Mrs. Brill.

We all have our opinion of Mary Poppins, some love it, and some hate it. But one thing this show does do is entertain and engage the audience. The singing, costumes and sets embrace the original idea of the story and it just such fun to watch. This is one show that leaves you all warm and fuzzy and no it wasn’t the alcohol… but that did help!

Mary Poppins is currently playing at the Capitol Theatre and tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Follow Matt D’Silva on Twitter @MattDSilva