Let’s give a huge round of applause for the characters who make the world feel alive. First, Bert. He’s not just a chimney sweep; he’s the narrator, the friend, and the heart of the street.
Bert is the only person who seems to get Mary, even if she’s always keeping him at arm’s length. He dances with penguins, sings about spoonfuls of sugar, and even goes on a sidewalk art adventure. He’s the cool uncle you wish you had.
Then there’s the terrifying Miss Andrew, the “Holy Terror” of a former nanny. She only appears in the stage musical, and she is a genuinely scary villain. She sings a monstrous song called “Brimstone and Treacle” that will make you thankful for your own childhood. She represents all the cold, unloving parenting that Mary is fighting against.
On the flip side, we have Mrs. Brill, the sarcastic housekeeper, and Robertson Ay, the laziest handyman in theater history. They provide constant comic relief. Mrs. Brill’s sighing alone deserves a Tony award.
Someone Magical is Returning... Mary Poppins returns to Edinburgh
What About the Toys? Andrew, and the Animals
Oh, and let’s not forget the adorable puppets. The musical uses amazing puppetry for the bird woman (who is now a fully singing role!) and the penguins. The penguins are basically tap-dancing chaos agents, and I love them.
The statue of Neleus, the little boy from the park, is another musical-only character. He’s a lonely, magical statue who teaches Jane and Michael about loss and hope. It’s surprisingly deep for a show with a talking umbrella.
Every character, from the talking kite to the laughing policemen, exists to remind you that imagination is the best currency. They are all part of a gorgeous, wacky puzzle.
