The magical nanny and her endless lessons come back to the stage!
The year is 1910. Winifer Banks returns home from a suffragette protest to yet another distressed nanny, only to learn her children have run away for the fourth time this week. Tired of the many struggles the children put their parents through, she and her stern husband, George, put an advertisement requesting a strict nanny. Their children, Jane and Michael, also put up their own advertisement looking for a sympathetic nanny, but their father threw it away.
The following morning, a line of grim-looking nannies is ready to be interviewed by the banks, when a gush of wind mysteriously blows them all away. Jane and Michael witness how a woman descends from the skies using only an umbrella, and introduces herself as Mary Poppins.
She is interviewed by the Banks, who are surprised by the fact that the advertisement that brought her here is the one George disposed of earlier. They are reluctant but ultimately agree to hire Mary under the promise that she will also be firm with their children.
Upstairs, Mary gives the children a peek into her bag, which carries wonders and magic like they’ve never seen before, and helps them magically clean their room. While strolling down the park, the children meet Bert, a friend a Mary’s. She transports them all into his drawings, where they spend an afternoon laughing and enjoying the endless possibilities within the painting. When they go back home, Mary puts them to sleep with a lullaby, while Mr. Banks is very impressed with the children’s behavior.
Mary then takes them to meet her uncle Albert, whose laughter is so uncontrollable that it has caused him to float away. Slowly, the children become merrier, and George is left somewhat uncomfortable with the house’s new atmosphere. When he threatens to fire Mary, she advises him to take his children with him to work.
George takes his children to work with him, where they meet his boss, Mr. Dawes Sr. He advises Michael to invest his tuppence in the bank, but Michael becomes upset with the man’s attitude and demands his money back, which ends up causing a bank run. The children run away and stumble across Bert once again. He takes the children home and, along with Mary, ventures onto the rooftops.
Later that night. George receives a call where he is reprimanded for Michael’s actions; however, Bert advises him to spend more time with his children while they are still young. Michael, who is worried about his father, gives his father the tuppence. After some reflection, George walks back to the bank and tells Mr. Dawes Sr a joke he had heard from Uncle Albert. After understanding the joke, he floats away while George goes back home to his children.
The next day, George amends his children’s kite and takes them out to the park. Mary Poppins says goodbye to them, explaining her job is now done. At the park, Mr. Daws Jr explained to the family that his fay¡ther had died from laughing at the joke he told him, and that had been the happiest he’s ever seen him. He then rehires George and gives him a promotion. Far in the sky, Mary Poppins flies away with her umbrella, while her old friend Bert watches with endearment.
The Banks’ Family Home
Start your play at the Bank’s home with the Cherry Tree Lane backdrop. This beautiful scenery portrays the street in which the Banks family resides and first encounters the magical English nanny, Mary Poppins, after being carried there by the East Wind. The backdrop design features a row of charming Victorian homes with wrought iron fences and gardens in bloom. Beautiful cherry trees, lamp posts, and a red pillar box also line the quaint street.
Check out this backdrop in action and see how much wonder it adds to any stage production.
Travel through the interior of this charming home with the Lavish Victorian Parlor. This Victorian sitting room has rust-colored walls with white crown molding. In the center of the theatrical backdrop is a large entryway adorned by regal red curtains, leading to three large windows and a bench. In the front of the parlor, you see two candelabras, three pictures, and a regal fireplace set on the right wall.
Use these rentable backdrops to showcase the delightful relationship between Mary Poppins and the Banks.
A Walk in the Park
Bring the charming beauty of the outdoors onto your stage with our exquisitely illustrated Grand Gated Park backdrop. This drop portrays a portion of a classic park under a blue sky. Wrought iron fencing and blooming shrubs surround the park. In this scene, the fence terminates in the two large concrete posts capped with lamps, between which are wrought iron gates that open to the park inside. The park has manicured lawns and hedgerows, which surround tall, leafy trees. Further in the distance, the silhouettes of more trees are visible.
Add this backdrop to grant your production endless appeal.
Into Bert’s Paintings
To create a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious moment, you might need the Stylized Forest Landscape. This backdrop features lush grass, sturdy trees with a green canopy of leaves, rocks, shrubs, and a clear, crystal blue body of water. In the background, you can see more green shrubbery, along with distant trees and green bushes that add depth and distance.
This scenery is perfect to recreate the iconic moments when Mary and the children travel into Bert’s painting.
The Bank
And let’s not forget one of the most iconic locations. The Palace Exterior backdrop transports your audience to the tranquil gardens surrounding a majestic building. Lush greenery, with a gray wall adorned by a beautifully sculpted figure at its heart. But let’s not beat around the bush, this backdrop is about more than just scenery; it’s about making a statement. The gray wall, with its delicate curves, draws the eye, while the vibrant pink flowers blooming on the ivy-covered vines add a touch of whimsy.
This backdrop adds charm to any production—just take a look!
The Bank Interior stage backdrop features the interior of an old-fashioned city bank. The sides of this old structure are lined with grand glass windows, rows of bank tellers, and two great marble pillars. At the center of this spacious hall, there is a big clock and a door. This piece is a fitting addition to plays set in banks and other financial institutions.
These backdrops are the perfect match to bring to life the children’s visit to the bank along with their father, George Banks.
London Rooftops
Last but most definitely not least, a Mary Poppins adaptation is not complete without a rendition of the breathtaking “Step in Time”. The London Rooftops backdrop depicts an early evening view of the rooftops of Victorian-era terraced houses in the British Capital. Numerous flue gas chimneys are visible, and the spires of distant churches and other buildings can be seen as well. Between the brick-and-mortar homes are trees whose canopies also reach the rooftops. Light can be seen shining from the windows of the houses.
This backdrop will make your audience travel in time, as Bert and his fellow chimney sweeps recapture the hearts of millions with their delightful performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of the Mary Poppins backdrop?
Sizes may vary depending on the selected backdrop, typically ranging from 22 feet to 10 feet.
Can I rent Mary Poppins’ backdrops individually?
Yes, you can rent any backdrop of your choice individually.
What type of backdrops work best for a Mary Poppins theatre production?
All of our backdrops work well for theatre productions; however, you can check the current state of your selected backdrop to ensure it is the right fit for your venue.
What are the characteristics of Mary Poppins’ backdrops?
Mary Poppins backdrops showcase all the whimsical details from the original story, crafted to beautifully bring your production to life.
