Mary Poppins musical is coming to Murray Bridge
Murray Bridge High School will present a production of the Broadway musical, based on the earlier novel and film, this June.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Murray Bridge High School.
A Broadway show that’s practically perfect in every way is coming to Murray Bridge next month.
Murray Bridge High School will present Mary Poppins, the stage musical based on P.L. Travers’ novel and the beloved 1964 film, at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre from June 4-6.
Students will fill all the key roles on and off stage under the direction of teacher Emily Adams, including year 11 Ava in the role of magical nanny Mary Poppins and year 12 Archer as Bert, a charismatic chimney sweep.
The cast and crew have been rehearsing after hours, on weekends and over the holidays since before term one started, having auditioned at the end of the last school year.
The end result is sure to be one of the best shows of 2026.
“It’s a great show because it’s for everyone,” Archer says.
“Kids love how magical it can be, but it’s good for adults, too, because they can go back to that magic that they used to have (as children).”
“We’ve worked so hard, and we’ve built ... confidence and community,” Ava says.
“We’ll show (audiences) how much we can do when we work together.”
Playing the lead role in a two-and-a-half hour musical has been a big step up from her roles in local productions of The Spongebob Musical and School of Rock, she says, but an exciting one.
“I’m enjoying the new people and the friends you make across year levels,” she says.
“Everyone is so welcoming, and no-one is going to slander you if you accidentally mess up a line.”
Amid a talented and hard-working cast, an early threat to steal the show are students Halu and Zedino, as Mrs Brill the maid and servant Robertson Ay.
Other cast members rave about their banter and Zedino’s role as comic relief.
A self-confessed perfectionist, he says being part of the production has changed his outlook.
“When you’re striving to do something perfectly and you mess up, it’s funny,” he says.
“Even when I’m losing, I’m winning because I’m learning.”
Students are involved with every facet of the production. Photos: Murray Bridge High School.
Behind the scenes, teens and teachers from across the school have been involved, from the year 10 tech students who have made backdrops to the catering students who will serve patrons on opening night.
MBHS senior leader Choo-Lee Long says the students’ positivity, energy and commitment to the project have all been outstanding.
All that’s left is for them to bring it on stage at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre, and bring the story of the Banks family to a new generation.
The opening night performance has already sold out; but tickets are still available to performances on the Friday and Saturday nights, plus a Saturday matinee.
- Performances: 7pm on June 3-5 plus 12pm on June 5 at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre.
- Tickets: $20/18 at www.trybooking.com.
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Peri Strathearn
