Having replaced the classic production of Les Miserables with an acclaimed touring version producer Cameron Mackintosh will repeat the formula when he brings Disney musical MARY POPPINS back to the West End in a new form.
The first stage production of Mary Poppins originally opened in the West End in December 2004, running for over 1,250 performances. During this time, the production won two Olivier Awards and an Evening Standard Award. Subsequently the Tony Award®-winning Broadway production ran for over six years.
But the story doesn’t end there.
We’re told that a subsequent new production of the show, adapted from the original, enjoyed record-breaking runs in Australia, North America, the UK and Ireland, New Zealand, Holland, Mexico, Austria, Switzerland, Dubai, Japan and Germany and Italy.
The Prince Edward opening in October will be the first time this new production will be seen in London and Macintosh must be pleased with it as several further new productions are to open in Europe over the next three years.
Unlike the new LES MIS much of the original creative team returns.
This latest production of Mary Poppins has a new sound design by Paul Gatehouse, new lighting by Hugh Vanstone and a reimagined set and costume design by the original designer Bob Crowley. Co-direction and choreography is still by Matthew Bourne in collaboration with original director Richard Eyre.
It all begins rehearsals in September and returns to its original West End home at the Prince Edward Theatre from 23 October 2019.
Pre-publicity describes the show as “The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane” and promises us “dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs”.
There’s a terrific and tried and tested West End cast too.
Zizi Strallen will play the title role with Charlie Stemp as Bert, Joseph Millson as George Banks and Petula Clark as the Bird Woman. Amy Griffiths will play Winifred Banks with Claire Moore as Miss Andrew, Claire Machin as Mrs Brill, Jack North as Robertson Ay and Barry James as Bank Chairman and Admiral Boom.
The news that popular theatre director, Jamie Lloyd is to take up another residency is good news for the West End. He provided a string of star-led quality productions at the the Trafalgar Studios, at the Duke of York’s and his Harold Pinter season has been a big hit. It seems he’s now to present a season of plays at the Playhouse Theatre.