Juliet Anderson says Mary Poppins is good, clean fun

They claim the stage version is darker than the film and at 2 hours and 50 minutes it is too long for youngsters.

But mother-of-three Juliet Anderson said they were very disappointed after being turned away from the West End's Prince Edward Theatre.

A show spokesman said: "Because it's a family musical doesn't mean it is suitable for every family member".

But Ms Anderson said: "It is so suitable for the little ones because there's nothing nasty about it, there are no baddies - just good, clean fun."

When she tried to take her children to see the show she was told that under-threes would not be allowed in and that it was unsuitable for children under seven.

Nick Allot, managing director of production company Cameron Mackintosh, said: "We are trying to be helpful.

"Theatre doesn't have a certification system like the cinema does.

"Therefore we think it is our responsibility to provide guidance to parents."