Laura Michelle Kelly Eyes MARY POPPINS Return

West End leading lady Laura Michelle Kelly, who won an Olivier Award in 2005 for originating the title character in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's stage musical version of Mary Poppins, is interested in reprising the role.

As recently announced, the hit show is returning to London's Prince Edward Theatre this autumn, starring Zizi Strallen as the magical nanny and Charlie Stemp as Bert.

Kelly - who was succeeded as Mary Poppins in the original production by Scarlett Strallen - may now be looking to reverse that arrangement and take over from her sister Zizi when she finishes in the role, according to a new interview in Gay Times.

"It's probably good that it did [close] as now they've found a cheaper way of running it, so hopefully when it comes back it'll be on forever," says Kelly of the show. "And hopefully they'll ask me to do it again."

She added of returning to the role: "I'm a lot older, but I'm much wiser than I used to be."

Before that, London audiences can enjoy a solo performance from Kelly at Cadogan Hall on 24 February.

The acclaimed theatre version of Mary Poppins, based on the stories of P. L. Travers and the original film, features a book by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, a timeless score by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, plus new songs and additional music and lyrics, by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Book tickets here!