American actor Gavin Creel will star asBert in Mary Poppins, from 26 July 2006

American actor Gavin Creel will star as 'Bert' in Mary Poppins, from 26 July 2006

American actor Gavin Creel will star as 'Bert' in Mary Poppins, at the Prince Edward Theatre from 26 July 2006

Gavin Creel takes over the role of 'Bert' from Gavin Lee, who created the role when the show opened in 2004 and who will play the part when "MARY POPPINS" opens on Broadway in November at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

The musical, which opened at the Prince Edward Theatre on 15 Dec 2004, following previews from 6 Dec, continues to feature: Scarlett Strallen 'Mary Poppins'. Aden Gillett 'George Banks', Eliza Lumley 'Winifred Banks'. Sarah Flind 'Mrs Brill'. Louise Gold as 'Miss Andrew', Diane Langton as 'Birdwoman'. Ray C Davis as 'Park Keeper' and Andrew Pepper as 'Robertson Ay'.

Based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, the show is produced by Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Productions, and Cameron Mackintosh. It is directed by Richard Eyre, co-direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne, with additional choreography by Stephen Mear. Bob Crowley will design the sets and costumes. Lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound by Andrew Bruce, and orchestrations by William David Brohn.

Mary Poppins, include many of the original songs from the film with music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman. Including "Chim Chim Cher-ee", A Spoonful of Sugar", "Feed The Birds" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious".

The new stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, Julian Fellowes who has written the book, and George Stiles and Anthony Drewe who have written the new songs and additional music and lyrics.

The show is currently taking bookings to 28 April 2007