Mary Poppins

With advance box-office takings of several million pounds, it would seem that Cameron Mackintosh is on to a sure-fire winner here. This is Mary Poppins as Disney fans have never seen her before --the flying super-nanny with all the charm of Julie Andrews, but just a little more grit.

The script draws on the original books, with extra episodes, more songs and a couple of unfamiliar characters. The fabulous team behind the show is led by Richard Eyre, who directs, with choreographer Matthew Bourne. And who plays the infamous Mary?

Laura Michelle Kelly, who, at 23, has already wowed the West End as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, as well as taking lead roles in Whistle Down The Wind, Mamma Mia!, and Fiddler On The Roof in New York.

Her Bert is played by the wonderful Gavin Lee.

Previewing from Mon 6 Dec, first nightWed 15 Dec, Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, W1 (0870 850 9191).