Still No Mary

The principal cast has been announced for the forthcoming Australian production of Mary Poppins, but there’s just one problem – producers haven’t found someone to play Mary.

Despite the incredible depth of talent in Australian theatre, producers haven’t found the perfect girl for the difficult role, and will continue their search.

Whoever plays Mary will be on stage alongside some of Australian theatre’s biggest names.

Marina Prior will play Winifred Banks, Debra Byrne is The Bird Woman, Phil Quast is George Banks, Sally Anne Upton is Mrs Brill, Judi Connelli is Miss Andrew, Matt Lee is Bert and Christopher Rickerby is Robertson Ay.

Producers will continue their search for a Mary by holding more auditions in the coming months. There seems to be no talk of a reality television show to find the show’s star, and this is unlikely to happen given most networks have already programmed their 2010 line-ups. Any show would need to be over by March or April so that rehearsals could begin.

Casting a performer from overseas is not an option.

Mary Poppins is due to open in Melbourne next June.