INTERVIEW… Zizi Strallen & Matt Lee, the Stars of the Mary Poppins Stage Show

Mary Poppins is one of the most-loved Disney movies of all time with hit songs including A Spoonful of Sugar and Let’s Go Fly a Kite. And this Christmas it’s coming to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin. We were lucky enough to chat to the leads, Zizi Strallen and Matt Lee (aka Mary and Bert), ahead of their visit to the Irish capital. Here’s what they had to say...

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The premiere Zizi: I was feeling the pressure because you know how many people there are in the audience who really know their stuff. It’s not just families. It’s people dissecting so it makes it a little bit more nerve-wrecking. It’s still fun though and they loved it. Matt: It was a really warm crowd. It was nerve-wrecking for me. I’m from the other side of the world so I was thinking, I have to impress people. But it was a wonderful night. Getting the roles Z: Mary Poppins was definitely something I watched as a child. I never really thought about doing the show before but I’m so glad I’m doing it now. It’s such a wonderful show and a beautiful film and it’s a lovely part. Rehearsals were a lot to take in because she is such a  huge part, but everyone was so encouraging and supportive, not only on the creative team but the rest of the cast and crew. M: I got to do the show in Australia but when I came into rehearsals with Zizi, I was like 'have you done this before?' She was such a natural and a wonderful leader to take us on this tour. The film Z: I try not to think about the film. The show itself is quite different to the film. There are different scenes and songs so it’s not a carbon copy. I can afford to play it slightly different because the script is different. It is a bit darker. The kids are quite nasty in our show at the beginning so Mary has to teach them how to be nice people and look after their parents when things don’t go to plan. The stage show  M: It’s tough. It’s not a walk in the park but it is great that the magic in the show has audiences in awe. I get to tapdance on the ceiling so they are things you don’t get in other productions. That’s an element that makes this show really special. The best scene  Z: I think Step in Time! is brilliant in act two. That’s Matt’s big number where he taps on the ceiling and for me, it’s a chance to watch him be really good. I lead a lot of the numbers but I love doing that one because it’s more fun for me. It gets a huge cheer at the end. Its an amazing number and really makes the show. Performing in Dublin  Z: The show does have a real Christmas feel, I think because it’s about a family. So to be in Dublin over Christmas doing the show is great. I'm looking forward to it. M: It is such a family show. Everyone, no matter what age they are, can take something away from it. I've been to Dublin once before, a long time ago, for one day. I'm looking forward to going back. The show in 3 words. Z: Magical… beautiful, the set and lighting is stunning... M: ... and charming.

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Mary Poppins will be at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from December 3^rd 2015 to January 9^th 2016. Tickets, starting from €25, are on sale now from Ticketmaster. For more information or to enquiry about offers, call 01 677 7770.