Who better to chat to about the new live cast recording of Mary Poppins, released on 6 November 2020, than supercalifragilistic actress and singer ZIZI STRALLEN?
Featuring Zizi in the title role, the musical version of the much-loved Disney film Mary Poppins returned to its original London home, the Prince Edward Theatre, last October, 15 years after its stage debut. The production, which was playing to packed houses before Covid, will hopefully return to the West End in the spring once social distancing guidelines are relaxed.
Zizi’s previous theatre credits include Fran in Strictly Ballroom The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre, Follies at the National Theatre, Mary Poppins on tour in the UK, Ireland and in Dubai, Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man and Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells and on tour, Cats and Scrooge at the London Palladium, Hairspray and Chicago at Leicester Curve, Merrily We Roll Along at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Rock of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre and The Music Man for Chichester Festival Theatre.
Here Zizi continues Musical Theatre Review’s interview series: Five Questions With…
We all need to something to look forward to at the moment so the new West End cast recording of Mary Poppins is very welcome. Can you tell us more about when you recorded the album and what the experience was like?
We recorded the album during a few live shows. I wasn’t always sure when I was being recorded and I think it gives the whole album the feeling that you’re there watching it. When you listen you can feel the energy of the people performing, rather than standing in a studio. It really works for our show.
It must be pretty difficult to choose but do you have any favourite tracks that you perform or other members of the cast sing?
I would say my favourite musical number is ‘Step in Time’, it’s so exhilarating and uplifting. Definitely what we need for this time. ‘Supercal’ and ‘Spoonful’ (and pretty much every other track in this beautiful show) have the same effect.
The London revival at the Prince Edward Theatre has proved to be the most successful production yet of Mary Poppins. What do you think it is about the musical that audiences of all ages continue to love? What does the character mean to you?
There are so many aspects to Mary Poppins that have meant it’s still in people’s hearts to this day. There’s magic, there’s beautiful music. I think it’s the sense of family and bringing people together that moves people. Mary is also such an idol for having self confidence and that’s very powerful for people to see and hopefully it helps them to feel the same about themselves.
The hope is that Mary Poppins will return to the West End next spring. In the meantime, you must have enjoyed returning to the character for Britain’s Got Talent.
Doing BGT was incredible. We had the challenge of social distancing and the Covid testing but I would’ve done anything to get my costume on and perform again so that wasn’t an issue for me. The feedback from that performance has been so powerful. It’s been so reassuring to see how many people miss theatre.
How has life treated you and your family during lockdown (especially when a number of you are involved in the performing arts)?
Of course this year has been hard mentally. I went from playing a dream role in the West End every night, to sitting at home not knowing if we’ll ever come back. I’ve managed to keep myself busy with different things. Bits of volunteering and exercising. I’ve decided to get a new skill of deep tissue massage so I’m enjoying a course in that at the moment. I’m hoping that I get the chance to be Mary Poppins again. Until then it’s important to keep everyone safe and get through this by supporting each other as best we can.
- The new live cast recording of the West End production of Mary Poppins is released on 6 November 2020 and is available or pre order HERE.
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