THERE is considerably more than one spoonful of sugar in this saccharine theatrical treat - and a packed Alhambra audience lapped it up.

The story of enigmatic nanny Mary Poppins, who arrives at Cherry Tree Lane in a gust of wind, comes alive in a spectacular production with all the wow factor you'd expect from a Cameron Mackintosh and Disney show.

From tap-dancing chimney sweeps to a breathtaking flying sequence that left the audience gasping, this is a terrific family show blending state-of-the-art theatrical wizardry with old-fashioned slapstick.

I confess I'm not a Poppins fan, as a child the film left me cold, but I found myself charmed by this show, largely thanks to a fabulous central performance by Zizi Strallen.

At its heart this is the story of a family who have lost their way. The Banks children, Jane and Michael, are spoilt and out of control, their father is preoccupied with his job in the City, and their mother is struggling to find her identity. When mysterious Mary Poppins arrives to take charge of the chaotic Banks household - with a spoonful of sugar, a sprinkling of bird feed, a nod to the stars and a no-nonsense dose of self-belief - she gradually transforms each of their lives.

The show races along at a cracking pace, thanks to Richard Eyre's direction and Matthew Bourne's choreography, with terrific song-and-dance showstoppers. The set is exquisite, with the Banks' London home opening up like an Edwardian dolls house against the London skyline. The glorious colour, breakneck speed and precision of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious had the audience whooping with delight, along with Jolly Holiday (although I could've done without the dancing statues) and Step in Time, the fabulous chimney sweep rooftop tap routine, was a highlight for me.

Zizi Strallen was a 'Practically Perfect' Mary. Her performance was a masterclass in controlled movement, with every facial flicker reflecting the nanny's calm exterior, inner fun and other-worldliness. Matt Lee was a lovely Bert - boy, can he dance! - Neil Roberts was an endearing Mr Banks and Rebecca Lock utterly delightful as Mrs Banks. Strong performances too from talented youngsters Violet Tucker and Finley Miller as Jane and Michael.

What a treat it is to have Mary in town for the next six weeks!

Runs until December 10.