The NSW Government has secured the Australian premiere of the magical Tony and Olivier award-winning production of Mary Poppins for Sydney, adding to the Harbour City’s stellar line up of world-class cultural events.
Practically perfect in every way, Mary Poppins will entice visitors and Sydneysiders with unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and thrilling stagecraft.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the production would give the state’s visitor economy a great boost during the season from May next year.
“We are thrilled to have secured the Australian premiere of this new production of Mary Poppins and anticipate that the production will generate almost $23 million in direct visitor spend over the season, stimulating our visitor economy and reinforcing Sydney’s position as Australia’s events capital.
“The NSW Government has locked in 18 months of outstanding theatre and musical productions alongside our world-class art exhibitions and cultural events that are a drawcard for visitors and the envy of other cities globally.
“With so much to see and experience in Sydney there has never been a better time to start planning your next visit to our Harbour City” Mr Ayres said.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said securing the season was a significant coup.
“Staging the Australian premiere of this new production of Mary Poppins here in Sydney is fitting as Australia’s creative epicentre, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this delightful and nostalgic production,” Mr Harwin said.
Based on the original books by P.L Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins will see the magical story of the world’s favourite quintessentially English Nanny brought to the stage through dazzling choreography, incredible effects and the much-loved songs.
Co-creator and Producer Cameron Mackintosh said of the announcement:
“Mary Poppins flew into my heart when I first saw the movie and read P. L. Travers’ unforgettable books as a schoolboy. My long-held dream of creating a stage musical out of her work started in Sydney over 25 years ago after Pamela had entrusted me to write a first treatment which was enthusiastically embraced by Tom and Disney.
Since then, Mary has soared triumphantly around the world with the Australian production over 11 years ago being one of the finest. So, I am thrilled to be bringing my latest current hit London production of Mary back home to Sydney next year, following my upcoming production of Phantom of the Opera, and finding another stellar cast to spellbind a new generation of theatregoers.”
Co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, the musical combines the Sherman Brother’s timeless score and classic songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds alongside new songs, music and lyrics. The producer for Disney Theatrical Productions is Thomas Schumacher.
Mary Poppins will play at the Lyric Theatre Sydney from May 2022 to October 2022.
Tickets will go on sale in August 2021. To receive the most up-to-date information about the production, sign up to the waitlist.
