Local talent brings the magic of Mary Poppins to life in Darwin production
A beloved classic got a Darwin twist, with an all-local cast and crew bringing the magic of Mary Poppins to the stage.
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Darwin’s theatre scene soared to new heights as Superstar Productions and the Darwin Chorale presented a spectacular, all-local production of Mary Poppins.
With a 45-strong cast, 16 live musicians, and a dedicated crew of 20, this production proved that Darwin’s talent pool is as deep as the city’s love for musical theatre.
“It was all local,” said Production Manager Annette Gore.
“We had sellout shows, standing ovations every night; it was amazing.”
Leading the cast was Hannah Clark as the practically perfect Mary Poppins.
A seasoned performer with a background in both dance and vocals, Ms Clark was joined by Kamaron Arthur as the charming Bert.
Martin Gore stepped into the role of George Banks, marking his 16th stage musical, while the young actors playing Jane and Michael Banks, both aged 13, already had impressive resumes, having performed in Evita in 2023.
Rehearsals had been underway since August, with singing sessions leading into staging and, eventually, full orchestration.
“Everyone joined at different times as the show progressed,” Ms Gore said.
The production came with a hefty price tag of $360,000, but strong community support and ticket sales helped bring the ambitious project to life.
Darwin may not often see large-scale touring productions, but this show proved that local theatre can deliver just as much spectacle.
Audiences were enthralled by the magical elements, including Mary Poppins taking flight.
“They couldn’t believe the tricks,” Ms Gore said.
“The flying, the set, the costumes, it all added to the magic.”
The show ran from February 14 to 22.
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Originally published as Local talent brings the magic of Mary Poppins to life in Darwin production
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