Mary Poppins is returning to the West End in 2019

Practically perfect news: the world’s most famous nanny Mary Poppins is returning to the West End next year.

The musical will be coming back to the Prince Edward Theatre in autumn 2019, umbrella and all.

Zizi Strallen, currently starring in Strictly Ballroom, will step back into Mary’s shoes having played the role in the international tour. Charlie Stemp, who appeared in Half a Sixpence in the West End and Hello Dolly on Broadway, will play Bert.

The musical is a joint production between Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Productions, with direction from Richard Eyre and Matthew Bourne, who also choreographs alongside Stephen Mear.

Mary Poppins has a score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, and book by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.

The original stage production of Mary Poppins opened in the West End in December 2004 and ran for three years, winning two Olivier Awards and an Evening Standard Award.

Aladdin the Musical, currently running at the Prince Edward Theatre, will be closing in August 2019.

Tickets go on sale in January, marypoppinsonstage.co.uk