Mary and Me

While many have known and loved the character Mary Poppins from page, to screen and now to theatre, the author, PL Travers, has often received considerably less exposure than the world’s most famous nanny. The exhibition Mary and Me, accompanying the current theatre spectacular Mary Poppins at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, delves behind the red curtain of the production and back to the inception and creation of the character by an author whose own journey is equally remarkable.

From a first edition of the Mary Poppins book, through to a Disney script and a personal letter from Julie Andrews, Mary and Me, developed especially for Brisbane, showcases a collection of unique items from the life and career of PL Travers that have never before been exhibited together. With clusters of black umbrellas adorning the ceiling, the exhibition uses the theatrical elements of the story and theatre production to add whimsy whilst still maintaining an unusually sombre atmosphere to parallel the strong and often staunch personality of the author.

While the exhibition will undoubtedly benefit fans of the story and viewers of the performance by sharing the histories of the characters and the author, Mary and Me is also a deeply entertaining exhibition for anyone who believes that exceptional things can often come from very humble beginnings.

Mary and Me
Tony Gould Gallery, QPAC, Southbank
Until March 17, 2012