Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins the mysterious nanny is the main character of Mary Poppins musical (it is named after her, obviously) but there is so little to know about her. Is she an angel? A witch? A good fairy? We don't know, because Pamela Travers wrote her as a character without borders, and that is part of her appeal. She is an ageless character who sweeps in and out of the Banks family household, bringing her own brand of medicine to smoothen their lives. Here's some of the ladies who have played Mary on stage.

Laura Michelle Kelly
  • The original Mary Poppins, featured on the Original London Cast Recording.
  • Performed the role from 15 September 2004 to 29 October 2005.
  • Won Olivier award for Best Actress in a Musical for this performance.
  • Other notable roles: Galadriel in the original London production of The Lord of the Rings, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (Theatre Royal), Hodel in The Fiddler on the Roof (Broadway), Sophie in Mamma Mia! (Prince Edward Theatre), Eponine in Les Miserables (The Palace Theater), Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd (feature film).
  • External link: Official website

Scarlett Strallen
  • The second London Mary Poppins, but returned to the role later and became the fourth and final Mary. Some time after that, she became Broadway's second Mary Poppins, too.
  • Originally performed at the Prince Edward Theatre from 31 October 2005 to 4 November 2006, and then returned to the role there on 21 May 2007 until the show's closing on 12 January 2008.
  • Started performing the role at the New Amsterdam Theatre from 9 October 2008.
  • Nominated for Best Takeover Role at the Theatregoer's Awards for her performance.
  • Has played Mary to three Berts: Gavin Lee, Gavin Creel and Adam Fiorentino.
  • Other notable roles: Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), Anne Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor (Stratford).
  • External link: Website

Ashley Brown
  • The original Broadway and original US tour's Mary Poppins.
  • Performed the role at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway from 14 October 2006 until 5 October 2008.
  • Began performing the role for the US tour on 11 March 2009.
  • Other notable roles: Belle in Beauty and the Beast (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre), Disney's On the Record.

Lisa O'Hare
  • The third London Mary Poppins, and the second UK tour Mary Poppins.
  • Performed the role at the Prince Edward Theatre from 6 November 2006 to 19 May 2007.
  • Performed the role for the UK tour from 27 October 2008, and will remain until it ends on 18 April 2009.
  • Was part of the original cast's ensemble, where she understudied for Laura Michelle Kelly.
  • Other notable roles: Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (National UK tour, National US tour).

Caroline Sheen
  • The original UK tour Mary Poppins.
  • Played the role from 4 June 2008 until 25 October 2008.
  • Other notable roles: Philia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Royal National Theatre), Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), ensemble in The Witches of Eastwick.
  • External link: Fansite.

Linda Olsson
  • The Swedish Mary Poppins.
  • Performed the role at the Göteborg Operan from 18 October 2008 to 14 March 2009.
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I'd know that silhoutte anywhere! - Bert