Cameron Mackintosh’s dreamy adaptation will bring back the magic for the next holiday season, celebrating 20 years since it first opened at the Bristol Hippodrome. Going all across Ireland and the UK, the montage will feature Stephanie Jones and Jack Chambers in the lead roles, reprising their roles after their praised performances in the recent Australian version.
It seems today is a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day. You can say it backwards, but I the original word is enough to trigger my dyslexia – thank you very much. In any case, fans of the Disney musical (sorry, Pamela) must be jumping for joy with a firm step in time – as today, a major announcement has been made. Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed adaptation of the most whimsical (and practically perfect in every way) nanny in England is making a comeback. The wind has changed once again. But instead of the West End, on this occasion it’s aiming all across the country as well as Ireland.
Starting at the end of the year, the show will begin its journey in Bristol – celebrating 20 years since its original opening in the city. Flying all the way to Ireland right afterwards, where it will play during the Christmas season before turning the umbrella in the direction of Ediburgh, Plymouth and Manchester, the montage will honour the author’s roots, by bringing two Australian stars to the front. Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, both receiving critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations during their stay in the latest Australian production.
“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”, said Chief Creative Officer and Producer for Disney Theatrical Group, Thomas Schumacher. “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”. “Mary has soared triumphantly around the globe”, adds Mackintosh. “Our recent Australian production discovered two of the most delightful Mary and Berts ever, whom I’m thrilled to be bringing to the United Kingdom and Ireland to star in this spectacular new National tour.”
With original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, apart from new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the creative credits include book by Julian Fellowes, co-choreography by Stephen Mear, set and costume designs by Bob Crowley, co-direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne and direction by Richard Eyre, among others. Further cast for this version, on the other hand, will be announced in due course.
All pictures credit to Daniel Bound.
Mary Poppins will start performances at the Bristol Hippodrome on 4 November. Tickets and further venues are available on the following link.