Last week, every child in Year 6 took to the stage in their production of Mary Poppins Jr., supported by a stage crew of Years 7 & 8 Drama Ambassadors.

This charming musical, based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, tells the story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane to save not only the Banks children, but also their struggling father. The timeless score includes the classic songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds, with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

The entire cohort have fully embraced the production and have grown as a company of actors, working together as a team to achieve something truly magical. Audiences praised the seamless scene changes, dazzling choreography, confident acting and beautiful music, thanks to the talents of our musical director, Katherine Rockhill, Danny Mullowney (drums) and Perri Seymour (bass). Two particular highlights were, of course, Step in Time and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. The fast-paced and energetic rendition of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious raised the roof off the Theatre in Act 1, and the show-stopping Step in Time in Act 2 showcased the dancing talents of our boys who have been working incredibly hard over the past term to prove that boys can, and do, dance. This all-male dance routine was perhaps the most challenging choreography to grace the Farleigh stage and we could not be more proud of the end result. 

Amidst the magic of dancing statues, talking dogs, magically appearing hat stands and flying nannies, the true magic of this classic tale lies in the heart-warming message of the importance of family. Inspired by Travers's difficult childhood, her father's struggles and her real-life great aunt who came to stay with the family after his passing, the story has more than a touch of sadness within its pages. Despite their young age, our cast were able to engage with these themes whilst also bringing hope to the forefront of their storytelling. We see Mary Poppins, played by Sybil P and Appoline B, carefully guide the Banks family through their troubles with Michael and Jane, played by Harry I, Zachary J, Margot P and Chloe P, learning to "look past the end of their nose" and realise that mothers and fathers also need support from time to time. We see Mrs Banks, played by Natalia G and Willow T, struggling to live up to her husband's social expectations, step into her own confidence and recognise her self-worth. Most importantly, we see Mr Banks, a stern banker with a hidden sensitivity who struggles to connect with his wife and children, played by Louis G and Cosmo M, recognise the importance of family. Many people often believe it is the children who Mary Poppins is charged to help but upon closer inspection, it is clear that it is Mr Banks who truly needs saving. This emotional story was depicted beautifully and maturely by our cast who closed the show with a rendition of Anything Can Happen If You Let It, teaching us all that "if you reach for the stars, all you get are the stars" but "if you reach for the heavens, you get the stars thrown in".

This term, our Year 6 pupils have most definitely "reached for the heavens" and we know their time spent on Cherry Tree Lane will have a lasting legacy. Bravo to all involved!

Kevin Hession, Head of Drama

25th March 2025