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The Practically Perfect Lineup: Who Is Playing Mary Poppins Right Now In 2025?

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The question of "who is playing Mary Poppins" is more complex than you might think, as the iconic role is simultaneously held by multiple talented actresses across film and stage. As of December 23, 2025, the most current and prominent actress to step into the magical shoes of the practically perfect nanny on a major stage is the acclaimed Australian star, Stefanie Jones, who is currently leading the major 2024/2025 UK and Ireland Tour of the beloved musical. This latest production continues the character's incredible, multi-generational legacy, proving that Mary Poppins remains a timeless figure who continues to fly high across the world's biggest stages.

The role of Mary Poppins has a unique history, requiring a performer who can balance strict authority with whimsical charm, a combination mastered by the original film star, Julie Andrews, and later by Emily Blunt in the cinematic sequel. Stefanie Jones joins this elite group, bringing her own critically-praised performance to the stage, ensuring that a new generation of theatre-goers experiences the magic of Cherry Tree Lane. This article dives deep into the current cast, Stefanie Jones's impressive background, and the storied legacy of every major actress who has taken on the role.

Meet the Current Mary Poppins: Stefanie Jones's Profile and Biography

The current star enchanting audiences in the major touring production is Stefanie Jones. Hailing from Australia, Jones is an accomplished musical theatre performer who has earned significant critical acclaim for her work across the globe. Her selection for this iconic role highlights her versatility and star power, following a successful run in the Australian production of the show.

Here is a detailed look at the profile and career highlights of the current Mary Poppins, Stefanie Jones:

  • Role: Mary Poppins
  • Current Production: 2024/2025 UK and Ireland Tour of Mary Poppins The Musical.
  • Nationality: Australian.
  • Notable Previous Roles:
    • Rhonda Epinstall in Muriel's Wedding The Musical (a performance that earned her a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical).
    • Liesl Von Trapp in the Australian tour of The Sound of Music.
    • Jean MacLaren in Brigadoon.
    • Ensemble and understudy roles in productions like Once.
  • Acclaim: Jones and her co-star, Jack Chambers (who plays Bert), are reprising their roles after receiving critical acclaim during the Australian leg of the show, demonstrating a "practically perfect" chemistry that has thrilled audiences.

Jones's theatrical background, particularly in beloved musicals, makes her a natural fit for the role created by author P.L. Travers. Her performance is noted for capturing the character’s necessary sternness while maintaining the deep warmth and magic that makes Mary Poppins so enduring.

The Practically Perfect Cast of the 2024/2025 UK Tour

The success of any Mary Poppins production relies heavily on the ensemble cast who bring the world of the Banks family and the magical streets of London to life. The 2024/2025 UK and Ireland Tour, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Disney, features a stellar lineup of talent alongside Stefanie Jones, ensuring a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious experience for all.

The principal cast members currently starring in the production include:

  • Mary Poppins: Stefanie Jones
  • Bert: Jack Chambers (also an acclaimed Australian performer, reprising his role alongside Jones)
  • George Banks: Michael D. Xavier
  • Winifred Banks: Lucie-Mae Sumner
  • Jane Banks: Alternated by young performers (including Olivia Ainsworth, Olaya Martinez Cambon, Matilda O’Sullivan, Katie Ryden, and Florence Amelia Swann).
  • Michael Banks: Alternated by young performers (including Charlie Donald, Oli Manning, and more).

This production is a revival of the original West End and Broadway musical, featuring a blend of the classic Sherman Brothers songs from the 1964 Walt Disney film and new material by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The show is renowned for its spectacular stagecraft, including Mary Poppins's iconic flight over the audience, making it a must-see event for musical theatre enthusiasts across the UK and Ireland.

The Iconic Legacy: Every Major Actress Who Has Played Mary Poppins

While Stefanie Jones is the current stage star, the character's enduring fame is built upon the shoulders of the actresses who first brought her to life on screen and stage. Understanding the legacy of this role is key to appreciating the current production. The role of Mary Poppins has been defined by three major actresses across the decades: two in film and several key performers on Broadway and the West End.

1. Julie Andrews: The Original, Oscar-Winning Film Icon (1964)

Julie Andrews is the definitive Mary Poppins for millions worldwide. Her performance in the 1964 Walt Disney film, which marked her feature film debut, was instantly iconic. Andrews’s portrayal perfectly captured the character's unique blend of no-nonsense discipline and gentle magic.

  • Production: Mary Poppins (1964 film).
  • Accolades: She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role, a legendary moment in Hollywood history.
  • Legacy: Her performance set the gold standard for all future portrayals and cemented the film as a timeless classic.

2. Emily Blunt: The Sequel Star (2018)

More than 50 years after the original, Emily Blunt took on the challenge of playing the magical nanny in the 2018 sequel, Mary Poppins Returns. Blunt brought a sharper, more aloof edge to the character, successfully making the role her own while honoring Andrews's work.

  • Production: Mary Poppins Returns (2018 film).
  • Accolades: Blunt received a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nomination for her performance, proving the character's continued cinematic appeal.
  • Legacy: Her casting proved that the character could be successfully reinterpreted for a new era, introducing the magic to a fresh audience.

3. The Original Broadway and West End Stars

The stage version of Mary Poppins The Musical, a co-production between Cameron Mackintosh and Disney, has seen several extraordinary actresses lead the cast since its debut in 2004:

  • Laura Michelle Kelly: The original West End (London) Mary Poppins (2004) and later a key performer on Broadway.
  • Ashley Brown: The original Broadway (New York) Mary Poppins (2006), who received widespread acclaim for launching the show in the US.
  • Scarlett Strallen: A notable actress who played the role in both the West End and on Broadway, demonstrating her mastery of the character.

From the Oscar-winning debut of Julie Andrews to the current, critically-lauded run by Stefanie Jones, the character of Mary Poppins remains one of the most demanding and rewarding roles in entertainment. The current 2024/2025 UK Tour ensures that the magic umbrella and carpet bag are firmly in the hands of a "practically perfect" performer, ready to dazzle audiences across the globe.

who is playing mary poppins
who is playing mary poppins

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