Meeting Mary in May

A trip to see a sneak preview of Mary Poppins in Birmingham was practically perfect in every way.

The new tour, which visits Mayflower Theatre in two months time, allows fans of the classic film to wallow in its delightful nostalgia, but isn't afraid to add some stunning new touches.

Think everyone's favourite nanny taking flight, loveable Bert and his chimney sweep pals tapping their way across the rooftops of London in spectacular fashion, including the compulsory perilous upside down routine, a bottomless bag and all sorts of other magic and mischief.

Then add a psychedelic jolly holiday transformation, toys coming to life before your eyes, a pantomime villain in the shape of a rival nanny from the past and special effects galore.

Never has the famous Mary Poppins phrase ' Michael close your mouth, we are not a codfish' been more apt as jaw after jaw dropped in awe at the antics on stage.

With 18 trucks of incredible scenery and sets and 100 cast and crew arriving for the show's first ever visit to Southampton in May, audiences can expect an absolute belter.

But that isn't the end of the delights to be bestowed upon the lovely people of our fair city.

The very same week that Poppins opens, our own fabulous festival Common People returns and we've been chatting to some of its stars.

Current hot property Craig David was keen to tell fans he can't wait for his big homecoming date on Southampton Common and Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie was raving about the 'ecstatic depressive realism' in the band's latest release, while mostly hollering words not suitable for a family newspaper.

It all adds sup to a marvellous May for the city's thriving arts scene.

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