Review: Mary Poppins (UK Tour) at the Leicester Curve

Mary Poppins (UK Tour) 
Leicester Curve
Reviewed on Wednesday 21st October 2015
★★★★★

It's been over half a decade since Mary Poppins was last seen onstage in the UK; the show is back with an all-new touring production which has launched at the Leicester Curve Theatre. Based on P. L. Travers' book series, Richard Eyre's production is adapted from the beloved 1964 Disney film, with additional musical numbers by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Full casting announced for Mary Poppins

Full casting has been announced for the upcoming UK tour of Mary Poppins.

As previously announced, the cast will be led by Zizi Strallen as Mary and Matt Lee as Bert.

The cast will also include: Milo Twomey (Twelfth Night) as George Banks, Rebecca Lock (Mamma Mia) as Winifred Banks, Penelope Woodman (Sons of the Desert) as Miss Andrew, Wendy Ferguson (Les MIserables) as Mrs Brill, Grainne Renihan (Cats) as Bird Woman and Blair Anderson (If the Lights Are Too Bright) as Robertson Ay.

Zizi Strallen & Matt Lee to star in Mary Poppins UK tour

It has been confirmed that Zizi Strallen and Matt Lee will star as Mary and Bert in the UK tour of Mary Poppins.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said: "It’s hard to believe that it is already 11 years since Mary Poppins first landed on the London stage. My goodness……time flies even faster than our beloved Nanny!

"I’m delighted to be bringing her back to the UK and for the first time to Dublin, after spreading her magic around the world. Since we originally staged the production we have found even more magical ways to stage this timeless tale.

"I’m also thrilled to have cast yet another of the extraordinarily talented Strallen family in the role of Mary and pair her with one of the most brilliant Berts we have been fortunate to find worldwide. I know Zizi and Matt will be practically perfect in every way and a show-stopping tour de force."

Strallen & Casey sisters unite for concert

It has been announced that three of the Strallen sisters (Summer, Scarlett and Zizi) will team up with the Casey sisters (Anna-Jane and Natalie) for a one night only concert at the Leicester Square Theatre on 19th April.

Summer Strallen created the role of Dale Tramont in the West End premiere of Top Hat, Scarlett Strallen famously starred in the London and New York productions of Mary Poppins whilst Zizi Strallen recently took to the stage at the London Palladium in Cats.

Photo Feature: Cats at the London Palladium releases new images

Producers of Cats at the London Palladium have released new pictures of the cast in action. The show stars Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

The cast also includes: Cameron Ball (Macavity/Admetus), Kathryn Barnes (Tantomile), Cassie Clare (Cassandra), Ross Finnie (Skimbleshanks), Charlene Ford (Bombalurina), Stevie Hutchinson (Pouncival), Adam Lake (Alonzo), Paul F Monaghan (Bustopher Jones/Asparagus/Growl Tiger), Joel Morris (Carbucketty), Natasha Mould (Jemima), Benjamin Mundy (Coricopat), Antoine Murray-Straughan (Rum Tum Tugger), Joseph Poulton (Quaxo/Mistoffelees), Nicholas Pound (Old Deuteronomy), Sophia Ragavelas (alternate Grizabella), Clare Rickard (Jellylorum/ Griddlebone), Adam Salter (Bill Bailey), Laurie Scarth (Jennyanydots), Hannah Kenna Thomas (Victoria/White Cat), Callum Train (Munkustrap), Zizi Strallen (Demeter), Dawn Williams (Rumpleteazer) and Benjamin Yates (Mungojerrie).

Ryan Gover, Barry Haywood, Alice Jane, Grace McKee, Dane Quixall and Libby Watts complete the company as swings. It is rumoured that Kerry Ellis will take over from Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella in February.