News: Mary Poppins To Embark On A UK And Ireland Tour With Initial Casting Announced.

Mary Poppins is returning to the stage in a UK and Ireland Tour. The classic multi-award-winning musical will open at Bristol Hippodrome on the 4^th November 2024, 20 years after the world premiere in Bristol and subsequent, record breaking productions around the world, before traveling to Dublin, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Manchester. Further venues are to be announced.

Initial casting has been announced for the run, with acclaimed Australian stars Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers who will reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert. Both starred in the recent Australian production and were received with critical acclaim. Further casting to be announced soon.

Based on the stories of P.L Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.

Producer and Co-creator Cameron Mackintosh said today, “It is amazingly already 20 years since Mary Poppins first landed onto the stage at the Bristol Hippodrome and started spreading Pamela Travers’ magical stories around the great cities of the world. Mary has soared triumphantly around the globe and our recent Australian production discovered two of the most delightful Mary and Berts ever – Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers – whom I’m thrilled to be bringing to the United Kingdom and Ireland to star in this spectacular new National tour. They are heading a wonderful cast and I’m sure you will find this the most magical production of Mary Poppins ever, practically perfect in every way!”

Thomas Schumacher, Chief Creative Officer and Producer, Disney Theatrical Group said today “It is a joy to bring this glorious production back to the UK and Ireland under the guiding hand of our long-time partner Cameron Mackintosh. It is a privilege to keep the beloved tale of Mary and the Banks family alive for audiences who know it well, and for a new generation of theatregoers.”

Stefanie Jones became an established Australian Leading Lady when she starred in the Australian National Tour of Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s production of Mary Poppins. For her portrayal, she received a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Leading Role in a Musical. Her other theatre credits include Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, The Sound of Music, Aspects of Love, Brigadoon, Oklahoma and South Pacific.

Jack Chambers is a renowned ‘triple threat’ performer who has worked internationally as a performer, teacher and choreographer. He rose to fame by winning the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia in 2008. His musical theatre credits include the South of Music, Hairspray and Singin’ in the Rain. His dance credits include Project X – touring the world, Burn the Floor, Untapped, and the Baz Luhrmann film Elvis.

Mary Poppins has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book is by Julian Fellowes and this production is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. It has orchestrations by William David Brohn and dance and vocal arrangements by George Stiles. It has sound design by Paul Gatehouse and lighting by Hugh Vanstone. Co-Choreography is by Stephen Mear. The set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley. Co-direction and choreography is by Matthew Bourne and direction is by Richard Eyre.