No sooner had the room where Hamilton happened been cleared than we discovered what we can expect at the Wales Millennium Centre this Christmas, and now that time is almost here.
Cardiff is the festive destination for the record breaking MARY POPPINS which was a huge success in London’s West End and has already received massive applause, critical acclaim and rave reviews across the UK.
Based on the Walt Disney film – and the original stories of Pamela Lyndon Travers who created the Mary Poppins character – the theatrical version of the world’s favourite nanny will blow you away.
The team here we’re very much involved some 20 plus years ago at the world premiere in Bristol and subsequent, record breaking productions around the world. Appropriately the show flew back into the Bristol Hippodrome las November, the first stop on its massive tour.
This time around it’s acclaimed Australian stars, STEFANIE JONES and JACK CHAMBERS who reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production.
We spoke to Jack just ahead of his arrival in the capital, and believe me there is plenty to chat about.
Jack Chambers is an Australian “triple threat” with a renowned reputation. Training since the age of 3 – at the Julie-Ann Lucas School of Dance, Brisbane – Jack has performed throughout Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.
He became well known to Australian audiences by winning the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia in 2008.
His musical theatre credits include: The Sound of Music – Kurt Von Trapp; Hairspray – Link Larkin; Singin’ in the Rain – Cosmo Brown –Helpmann Award nomination for Best Supporting Role, winning a Green Room Award and Australian Dance Award 2017. But, he’s never been to Wales, until now…..
Stefanie has been hailed “a terrific Mary Poppins, who gives an impeccable performance”, and called Jack Chambers “a glorious Bert, with happy feet and a thousand-watt smile.”
Producer and Co-creator Cameron Mackintosh told us…..
“I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Mary Poppins back.
Mary has continued to fly around the world dispersing her magic, bringing families together and audiences to their feet in a most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious way! Disney Theatrical Group and I produced the show again in Australia where it was even more successful the second time round.
Our Australian Mary and Bert, Stefanie and Jack, were so practically perfect that we invited them to lead this brilliant new company. Mary Poppins remains a timeless classic for all ages, full of wonderful characters, brilliant songs, showstopping dances and spectacular magic. So, you are assured of an unforgettable performance and the jolliest of holidays with Mary. But step in time to get tickets, as Mary has a lot of places to visit and her bag is packed!.”
LYN PAUL is playing the role of Bird Woman when the show gets tou our capital.
Lyn was a member of The New Seekers in the 70s, whose iconic recording of the Grammy nominated song “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” sold over 28 million copies and remains one of the 100 bestselling singles in the UK. Further hits include “Beg, Steal or Borrow,” and “You Won’t Find Another Fool Like Me”. After leaving the group, Lyn enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist before she transitioned into musical theatre.
Lyn made her debut in the West End taking the lead role of Mrs Johnston in Willy Russell’s hit musical Blood Brothers. She has been voted the definitive Mrs Johnston and reprised the role regularly over 23 years both on tour and in the West End where she was a member of the final cast. Her other stage credits include Calendar Girls, Cabaret, and Taboo. On screen Lyn has appeared in ITV’s Emmerdale and BBC’s Holby City.
Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the Worlds 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 told us recently….
“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…..
“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.”
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.
MARY POPPINS gets to the Wales Millennium Centre next week, from 3rd December through to 10th January 2026. If you’d like to get tickets go HERE.
