But that is just what the ensemble of Taree Arts Council's Mary Poppins has been working on from day one.

"The cast as been learning to spell Supercalifragilisticexpiali docious as well as do all the complicated gestures and movements associated with it," said director Gayle Cameron.

"This has to be done at lightning speed, so lots of practice is needed over a few months to get it right.

"It's been great fun and produces many laughs at each rehearsal. The children have caught on quickly and put many adults to shame!"

The cast of 31 includes a mixture of seasoned Taree Arts Council performers and many new faces in lead roles, as dancers and in the ensemble.

They are working with Gayle (as director), along with musical director Don Secomb and choreographer Amanda Hammond (assisted by Cassie Fenton and Mikayla Atkins).

Bringing the role of the magical English nanny, Mary Poppins, to life is Elizabeth Hall, who has appeared in the Taree Arts Council productions of Cabaret and Miss Saigon and spent six months undertaking acting training in the United States.

Joining her onstage is Jeremy Miller as Bert, Charlotte Reece and Georgina Saad (sharing the role of Jane Banks), Cassidy Donovan and Wil Hellstedt (sharing the role of Michael Banks), Jodi Cooper as Mrs Banks and Travis McLaren as Mr Banks.

The ensemble includes Roslyn Clinch, Will Knight, Alex Wilson, Tristram de Jong, Jett Shoesmith, Ryan Lestrange, Bruce Wiseman, Liz Tilson, Marilyn Connors, Bridget Mason-Tisdell, Chris Alcock, Kim Stevens, Kylie Nelson, Paul Eade, Pamela Phillips and Mary Camphuis.

Rounding out the cast are dancers Joanna Drake, Mikayla Atkins, Cassie Fenton, Rebecca McGuire, Katie Hall, Sarah Hammond and Emily French.

Rehearsals have been busy and action packed, with the cast working steadily through the first act, which includes some big numbers including 'A Spoonful of Sugar'.

Another important aspect of the rehearsal process is gaining an understanding about the time the show is set.

"We have been exploring and discussing lifestyles in Edwardian times in London," said Gayle.

"The class system, etiquette, language and clothing all determine how to approach the characterisation of the roles."

Besides the cast, the unsung heroes and the hardest workers are the people who produce sets, props and costumes.

"David Denning and his wonderful team from the Old Bar Men's Shed are producing a superb set, which is nearing completion.

"It is wonderful to be able to work with this from the start.

"Helen Grooteman has the enormous task of sourcing dozens of props relevant to the era. Lea Young has gathered together a very talented group of dressmakers for the many costumes and hats needed."

Mary Poppins will be staged at the Manning Entertainment Centre in November and Gayle said it is a show not to be missed.

"You know the words, music and story add breathtaking stagecraft, magic and a whole lot of imagination, and this musical will soar high above the rest.

"Believe in the magic of Mary Poppins and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it."