Mary Poppins Gala Charity Evening in Honour of Dame Julie Andrews (2005)
Channel: The Julie Andrews Archive
Date: 07/03/2021

For almost three hours I sat in the Prince Edward theatre, mesmerised: I was watching Dame Julie Andrews as she sat in front of me, watching for the first time, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins. I cannot even begin to imagine what memories and emotions it must have conjured up for her, but she was clearly enjoying it.

Crowds had gathered outside. Inside, the foyer was overflowing with film crews, camera men and champagne. Our entrance to the Dress Circle was via door E – and plastered on the wall were framed photographs of Julie in Humpty Dumpty (1948) and Aladdin (1951) both at this very theatre, but then under the name of the London Casino.

As Julie arrived, the audience greeted her with a standing ovation. Julie acknowledged this warm welcome with waves and kisses before taking her seat in the box, three rows in front of us.

Then the lights dimmed to reveal a silhouette of London rooftops. Bert appeared from a chimney pot, and Julie exploded into enthusiastic applause. She was the only one! The audience settled into the show. But what could I do – Julie was just in front and I could see her enjoying the show, laughing at the jokes and paying particular attention to Laura Michelle Kelly who had taken on the daunting task of playing Mary Poppins in front of the one-and-only Mary Poppins. And that was pretty much the case for me. The show was very good.

The finale was spectacular. I shall never forget Mary Poppins flying out into the audience, rising up into the rafters just a whisker from Julie. The look on Julie’s face – I could almost feel it. It was a breathtaking moment, and probably the highlight of the performance that night. What a magical interchange when the fairest lady of them all, seated up in her box, was met by a younger generation flying up to greet her.

As the cast performed their finale Julie was led from her seat.
The audience rose to its feet, and the cast parted and formed a V-shape for Julie to make her entrance from upstage. Julie came on to thunderous applause, giving one of her wonderful bear hugs to Laura and Gavin. Then she took them both by the hand, and came up centre stage – doing it so beautifully and sensitively.
‘How about that!’ Julie began. ‘What an extraordinary evening. And there’s only one word I can think of to sum it up. Now, let’s see if I’ve got this right. You went, S-U-P-E-R (to applause and laughter as Julie tried the arm movements to the song). Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! What an honour and a privilege it’s been to be here, and to see this glorious show. And to see all of you doing so wonderfully and … they had two shows today, folks.
I want to thank you all for being here this evening also,’ Julie said to us. ‘Can you imagine the joy and the memories that this show brought back for me? You know, I’ve really been transported because I’ve been so delighted to see what everybody has done to this lovely piece, and it’s a little bit of the old and a lot of the new, and I think it’s great.

I would like to extend my thanks to the Disney Corporation, and Thomas Schumacher and Cameron MacIntosh for making this evening so special, because now the future lies in your hands, and you’ve got to carry the torch from here on. I may have started it, but now it’s all up to you guys.
I just want to say thank you to all of you for giving so generously this evening and for being here to share this with us all. The ARK Foundation, the Operation USA and LAMDA – they’re all wonderful, decent worthy charities. You’ve spoiled me enormously. I’ve had a wonderful evening. I send my love to all of you. I thank you so much.’

Bert then sang a lovely and touching rendition of ‘Jolly Holiday’ with Julie taking part in it. The audience just loved it and joined in with ‘It’s a Jolly Holiday with Julie.’

Mary Poppins really served to define Julie’s career and public persona. MP and The Sound of Music were released in quick succession marking Julie’s debut onto the world’s screens.
The original Disney classic has certainly stood the test of time, and Julie has too.
Julie tells us that the very first scene she ever filmed was ‘Jolly Holiday’. Bert says ‘Mary Poppins you look beautiful’ to which Julie replies, ‘Do you really think so?’ Yes Julie, I really do!

Jean, 18th March 2005.