The musical production of Mary Poppins exploded onto the Brisbane stage in early January and since has become one of the most talked about productions of 2012.

The production has been referred to as a triumph of staging, design and talent, and I couldn’t agree more. As a song sung earlier on in the production says, Mary Poppins is “practically perfect in every way.”

If you’re expecting a re-hashing of the 1964 film, you will be pleasantly surprised. While most are familiar with the film, Mary Poppins first came to life though a series of children’s books written by Queensland-born P.L. Travers, and by combining these and the film upon which the musical is based, what results is a jaw dropping production that will leave you talking long after the curtain has been dropped.

To those unfamiliar with Mary Poppins, it is the story of the dysfunctional Banks family, whose lives are forever changed by the arrival of magical and extremely efficient nanny. She is joined by her chimney-sweeping friend, Bert, in the task of instructing the family towards better behaviour and happiness.

Mary Poppins shows the triumph of positive encouragement over fear and intimidation, but more importantly preaches the importance of looking past what you merely see to value the true goodness in people. All this is brought to life through a series of musical numbers (some bordering on the insane), and the stage design plays just an important role as the cast themselves. What results is something resembling an LSD trip with the only disappointment being when the show finishes.

In the performance that I attended, Mary Poppins was performed by Sarah Bakker, who in my opinion was perfectly cast, portraying the character with exquisite elegance. Matt Lee who many will recognise from the judging panel on So You Think You Can Dance, won the 2011 Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Musical for the role of Bert, and when you see Lee push his singing and dancing skills while tap dancing and singing upside down on the roof, it’s no surprise why he won such an award.

Former Playschool presenter Simon Burke stars as the troubled George Banks, and is accompanied by Pippa Grandison as the timid but beautiful Mrs Banks. The on stage chemistry between the two are beautiful and you really feel the struggle that the two characters go through. One determined to provide for his family while the other determined to be a loving mother and loyal wife. The precocious Jane and Michael Banks were played by Zoe Clarke and Jai Bofinger, while some might be quick to judge their abilities alongside such a more experienced cast, I do however believe these two performed to the best of their abilities and show a promising future in musical theatre.

Sally-Anne Upton as the voluptuous cook Mrs Brill, and Christopher Rickerby as bumbling servant Robertson Ay, are hilarious and steal nearly every scene they have. Natalie Gamsu plays Miss Andrew, the nanny that haunts every child’s nightmares. She plays the role with such ferocity, you can’t help but be a little terrified by her presence. Now that’s just the cast. I could on forever about the costume and set designs which are the results of the talented Bob Crowley, then again I could sum it up with one word, MAGICAL.

The costumes are both elaborate and gorgeous, and at times a jaw dropping. Then there is the set, at first glance it’s all rather humble and a little charming and then in the next moment it explodes with life with such vicious complexity. No expense appears to have been spared in bringing the trippy universe of Mary Poppins to the stage.

From the talented cast to the enchanting set design to the marvellous choreography of the musical numbers, Mary Poppins is the must see production of 2012. Buy a ticket and set that little oppressed youth hidden within free. You won’t be disappointed.

Mary Poppins is currently on at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, until 17 March 2012. Tickets are $40 – $132.50 available through www.qpac.com.au or call 136 246.