By James Inverne
28 Jan 2005

It should not surprise theatre watchers that Mary Poppins has extended its run at London’s Prince Edward Theatre. The show is confidently expected by industry insiders to run for years rather than months. But punters eager for hard-to-get tickets will want to know that there are now bookable seats until April 1, 2006.

The show is a collaboration between two behemoths of the producing world, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatricals. And the supernatural nanny currently has nine Olivier Award nominations in her magic carpet bag. The show still features its original cast, which includes Laura Michelle Kelly, Gavin Lee, David Haig and Linzi Hateley. It’s directed by Richard Eyre and Matthew Bourne, with a book by Julian Fellows and additional songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

However, Poppins has a long way to fly before she reaches the grand old age of Blood Brothers, the Willy Russell musical, which has also just extended at the Phoenix Theatre. Produced and co-directed by Bill Kenwright, the musical has been running since July 1988 (first at the Albery, it moved to the Phoenix in Nov. 1991). The booking period now stretches to October 29, 2005.

For more information on Mary Poppins call (0)870 850 9191, for Blood Brothers call (0)870 060 6629.