She may have had her problems during the run of My Fair Lady, but Martine McCutcheon's artistry was rewarded, and her brave battle against illness validated, by her winning an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical earlier this year for playing Eliza at Drury Lane.
Now she is believed to be the front-runner for Mary Poppins, which, when it arrives in the West End (and there are no details as to exactly when the production is planned, just that it is planned) is likely to be hugely popular, especially with family audiences.
Given that Julie Andrews went from My Fair Lady (albeit the stage version rather than the film, which starred Audrey Hepburn) to Mary Poppins, it would be appropriate if Martine made the same career move.
—By Paul Webb Theatrenow
