Mary Poppins enthrals kids at BIC

Manama : The off-track activities at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) are drawing families from across the Kingdom, especially children who are coming down to watch their favourite character - Mary Poppins - perform on stage. 

Staged at the vending area of BIC, the James & Murphy Productions from UK is on a roll, running six theme-based shows per day. It was established by husband-wife duo Paul and Charlene Murphy in 2005.

The company, which started by producing shows for holiday centres and theme parks in the southwest England, later turned to theatres and high-end corporate events. Since then, it has produced and performed shows at some of the most prestigious events worldwide including F1.

Paul spoke to DT News, saying. “Ever since the company was formed, we have been travelling around the world with our theme-based shows. ‘Mary Poppins’ has become one of the best popular characters among kids. 

“Before starting the company, Charlene and I were working in two different groups as stage performers. Fortunately, we had a chance to work together for a theatre group. During a UK tour, while playing “Oliver Twist,” we came to know each other more, leading to our marriage and the inception of the James and Murphy Productions,” he added.

Charlene performs the role of the titular Mary Poppins, while Paul, who serves as company director, also dons some key roles in the play.

Charlene has been performing on stage for the past 10 years. Not only does she look and dress like Mary Poppins, but also sing and sound like the character, thereby making it even more appealing to the children. 

Besides Paul and Charlene, the group has five other members: dancers Ellie Andrews and Luzy Byrne as well as singers Jack Juniper, Craig Northway, and Nichola Farleigh. 

The Broadway Spectacular is one of the shows performed by the group where the artistes present a selection of songs from the greatest Broadway and West End Musicals, such as “Phantom Of The Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “The Jersey Boys,” “Rock Of Ages,” “Chicago,” “Cats,” “Mamma Mia,” “Oliver,” “Singing In The Rain,” “Cabaret,” “Copacabana,” and many more.

Speaking about the reception in Bahrain, Paul said, “I think that the children in Bahrain are more reserved, but they respect the artistes. Though they are quieter than children from other parts of the world, when asked to perform with us, they did not back off.”