Preview: A Practically Perfect Production Lands in Sunderland: Mary Poppins Flies into the Empire, October 2025

 A Practically Perfect Production Lands in Sunderland: Mary Poppins Flies into the Empire, October 2025

Dust off your umbrellas and warm up those vocal cords—because Mary Poppins is flying into Sunderland Empire for the very first time, bringing a spoonful of theatrical magic and a whole lot of heart to the North East stage this autumn.

Running from Wednesday 1 October to Saturday 25 October 2025, this highly anticipated stop on the 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour marks a major theatrical event for Sunderland, as Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group present their multi award-winning, critically acclaimed production of the world’s most beloved nanny.

Following a record-breaking West End run and thunderous standing ovations across the UK, this dazzling reimagining of the classic tale is set to enchant a whole new generation—while reigniting nostalgia for those who grew up singing along to “Feed the Birds” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

⭐ Star-Studded Cast Brings the Magic to Life

Reprising their critically acclaimed performances from the Australian production and UK tour are Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as the irrepressible Bert. Both bring international polish and undeniable charisma, having received Sydney Theatre Award nominations for their portrayals.

Also starring is West End veteran Patti Boulaye as the Bird Woman—continuing her celebrated run through to November. Her illustrious stage and screen career brings depth and warmth to one of the show's most iconic roles.

Joining them are some of the finest musical theatre talent working today:

Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee, Sunset Boulevard, Into the Woods) as George Banks

Lucie-Mae Sumner (Mary Poppins West End, Barnum) as Winifred Banks

Rosemary Ashe (Phantom of the Opera, The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs. Brill

Wendy Ferguson (Les Misérables, Mary Poppins UK Tour) as Miss Andrew

Sharon Wattis, Ruairidh McDonald, and David Burrows round out a stellar principal cast, with child actors alternating as Jane and Michael Banks in true Disney tradition.

The ensemble features over 30 talented performers, delivering high-energy choreography, seamless transitions, and the kind of spectacle that only a Disney-Cameron Mackintosh collaboration can promise.

🎶 A Score That Soars and Spectacle That Stuns

Based on the beloved stories by P.L. Travers and the iconic Walt Disney film, this stage production marries nostalgia with theatrical innovation. The timeless Sherman Brothers songs like “Jolly Holiday,” “Step in Time,” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee” are joined by new, equally memorable numbers from the award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Audiences can expect:

✨ Dazzling choreography by Stephen Mear and Matthew Bourne

✨ Stunning illusions by Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer

✨ Lavish sets and costumes by Bob Crowley

✨ Lighting by Hugh Vanstone and sound design by Paul Gatehouse

Directed by Richard Eyre with musical supervision by Stephen Brooker, this production is as polished as it is heartfelt.

📍 Why This Sunderland Run is a Must-See

This marks the first time Mary Poppins has landed at Sunderland Empire, one of the largest theatres in the UK and a cornerstone of the North East’s cultural scene. With a 4-week run, it offers an unmissable opportunity for families, musical lovers, and theatregoers to experience a show of West End scale and storytelling power.

And with shows already selling fast elsewhere on the tour, the Sunderland dates are expected to be among the season’s hottest tickets.

🎟️ Booking Information

Dates: Wednesday 1 October – Saturday 25 October 2025

Venue: Sunderland Empire Theatre

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Tickets: Available now at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland *

* (Transaction fee of £3.95 applies to online bookings)

Whether you’re revisiting Cherry Tree Lane or discovering it for the first time, this spectacular, heartwarming musical is practically perfect in every way. Don’t miss your chance to catch the magic when Mary Poppins touches down in Sunderland.

Photos by Danny Kaan