About the show
Please note that performances of Mary Poppins have been postponed in response to government advice regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). It will resume performances as early as practical in 2021.
Set in Edwardian London on Cherry Tree Lane, Mary Poppins sees chimney-sweep Bert introduce the Banks family, who live at number 17. Winifred and George are having a tough time with their naughty children, Jane and Michael, and their nanny has quit in light of the kids’ appalling behaviour. But the mysterious Mary Poppins soon arrives to set everything right.
With a book by Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellowes, the Sherman Brothers’ musical is a collaboration between Cameron Mackintosh and Disney, and features show-stoppers such as “Practically Perfect”, “A Spoonful of Sugar”, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee”, amongst many more. The musical also includes additional material by Stiles and Drewe.
Zizi Strallen stars as Mary Poppins, reprising the role after most recently playing it in the 2015 national tour. Her recent credits include Strictly Ballroom the Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre and Follies at the National Theatre. Charlie Stemp plays Bert, following his recent successes in Hello, Dolly! on Broadway and Half a Sixpence and Dick Whittington in the West End.
Fulfilling the role of Mr Banks is Joseph Millson. His stage credits include Apologia at Trafalgar Studios and Macbeth at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Bird Woman is played by Petula Clark. The singer, composer and actress has put out music in several different European languages and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Richard Eyre directs Mary Poppins, which features co-direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne, choreography by Stephen Mear, set and costume design by Bob Crowley, lighting design by Natasha Katz and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, with orchestrations by William David Brohn.
Based on PL Travers original children’s book and Disney’s beloved 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, Mary Poppins is a magical, musical experience that tells the story of the Banks family and the marvellous woman Mary Poppins. An unmissable theatrical event, the production opens at the Prince Edward Theatre on 23 October 2019.
Recommended for
This is a great show for families, though adults will also appreciate the family disfunction and reminder to look after each other and be kind. Charlie Stemp fans will love seeing him back on the London stage, and those who adored Zizi Strallen in the role now have the chance to see her again!Age Recommendations: Recommended 7+. No under 5s. All persons aged under 16 must be accompanied and sat next to the accompanying adult. They may not sit on their own within the auditorium. If children do have separate seats, entry could be refused.
