Helpmann Award winner Verity Hunt-Ballard will take a break from the title role of Mary Poppins, with English performer Scarlett Strallen to replace her for the balance of the Sydney season.

Hunt-Ballard will return for the Brisbane season of the show, alongside fellow Helpmann winner Matt Lee.

Scarlett Strallen has played the role of Mary both in the West End and on Broadway. She comes from a theatrical family. Her parents, Sandy Strallen and Cherida Langford, both appeared in the original London production of Cats, and she is a niece of Bonnie Langford.

Rumours and blogs recently speculated that Hunt-Ballard was injured, however, she has continued to play the physically demanding role.

Stage Whispers has been informed that it is a well-earned break after more than two years for the Hunt-Ballard, who went direct from performing in Jersey Boys, which premiered in July 2009, to rehearsals for Mary Poppins.

In another significant change to the cast of Mary Poppins, Pippa Grandison steps into the role of Mrs Winifred Banks on Wednesday September 28, taking over from Marina Prior.

Pippa Grandison returns to the Capitol Theatre stage where she alternated in the role Elphaba in Wicked during 2009 / 10.

Our earlier Mary Poppins articles and videos

Mary Poppins for Brisbane 

Mary Poppins in Sydney

Mary Poppins Solves Philip Quast’s Mid-life Crisis

Mary Poppins - A View From the Ensemble

Practically Perfect in Every Way

Sydney Rehearsal Preview Video.

Mary Poppins Composers Sing

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