THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

Zizi Strallen stars as Mary Poppins

What are you most looking forward to about coming to Dubai? It is my first time, so I’m really, really excited about it. [I’m looking forward to] seeing all the buildings, especially the new Opera House – I’ve heard it’s absolutely incredible.

Your sisters and parents are performers, and your aunt is Broadway actress Bonnie Langford. Did you ever not want to be a performer?

It’s always been what I’ve wanted to do. But when I was 11 I got into this really, really academic school and I did think maybe I should just go be a doctor or lawyer or something. But in the end, I just ended up coming back. It didn’t take me long.

Is it weird playing a role previously filled by your sister? (Scarlett Strallen played Mary Poppins on the West End and on Broadway).

Not at all. When I first took the role I was worried about that, I thought there was a chance we’d be compared all the time. But she played that role ten years ago, and I think enough time has passed for a new generation, and a new Mary.

Has your sister given you any advice?

She just said to breathe and pace myself. There’s so much to do in each show, and Mary Poppins has a very relaxed thing about her so if you’re nervous you have to breathe and don’t let that show – because Mary Poppins would never let that show.

What’s the best part about playing Mary Poppins?

One of my favourite things is to work with the kids. They’re incredible actors with great personalities.

What’s the worst?

The most tiring part sometimes is running back down to the stage at the end of the show. At the end, I fly up into the audience and have to make it back down to the stage in time for my bow.

How do you get into character?

Putting my wig on helps me get into character. I never really feel like Mary without my Mary hair on and my rosy cheeks and red lips. I look in the mirror and I think: ‘OK, I’m Mary now.’

If you weren’t an actress, what would you be?

That’s never even been a thought in my head.