Liz is 'practically perfect'

ELIZABETH Hall has lived and breathed the world of Mary Poppins for more than a year.

The talented 21-year-old, who plays the iconic magical English nanny in the Taree Arts Council musical, has shown dedication and devotion to the role with a busy schedule focused on creating her absolute best performance.

Liz landed the part many months before the rest of the cast and promptly got to work.

"As soon as I could I began to read every novel and watch every movie and documentary based around the theme of Mary Poppins," she said.

She has attended singing lessons dedicated solely to Mary twice a week for more than a year and worked to improve and maintain her physical and mental stamina in readiness for what she describes as a "marathon of a show".

The cast worked together two to three times a week for six months, meaning lots of late nights, and Liz said she has felt the "immense pressure that comes with a lead role".

One of the highlights for the audience so far has been seeing Mary Poppins fly through the air (with the aid of a harness).

And while it might look effortless, there is plenty of effort being put in, with Liz explaining she has experienced some wear and tear on her body in the process.

Her biggest personal struggle, however, has been time management.

"This show is so busy with intricate flight patterns, super quick costume changes, sets as big as houses being wheeled on and off, and let's not forget you also have to sing, dance and act and be good!

"It's all in a day's work and I wouldn't swap it for the world."

Mary Poppins is Liz's first lead role in a musical production and one she hadn't intended on auditioning for.

"(Director) Gayle Cameron and I were brainstorming ideas for the next big Taree Arts Council show and Mary Poppins became available."

Taree Arts Council was one of only a few theatre organisations granted the rights to produce the show.

"Initially I had not intended on auditioning for Mary but after being asked to audition on three separate occasions, I grew to love the idea of playing her.

"Mary Poppins was in fact the Disney movie growing up for me and now I get to play her my idol!"

Liz describes her character as a "super-human magical being".

"She is not a witch or an alien, nor is she human because for all we have been lead to believe, she does not age.

"She kind but stern and she loves with all her heart but doesn't show it. She has taken it upon herself to help regain that 'family love' within the Banks family.

"Chances are it has not been her first nor last family to fix either!

"She's quite mysterious you can't imagine Mary to have had a childhood like Jane and Michael and you never see past what she chooses you to see."

Liz's performance background began when she was young.

Starting with dance classes, she studied most styles and competed throughout her schooling years and then spent several years as a dance teacher.

She has expanded her involvement in the arts over the past few years, with involvement in several Taree Arts Council productions (Miss Saigon, The Full Monty and, most recently, Cabaret, for which she was co-choreographer as well as a cast member).

"It has proved a great insight into musical theatre."

Last year she travelled to the United States to study film and television at a full time acting course and took part in short films (both in front and behind the camera).

She has undertaken singing training for two years and has undergone intense vocal training overseas and in Taree.

"Mary Poppins has given me an opportunity to showcase all aspects in one hit!"

Liz is relishing the chance to be back on stage.

"Theatre equals joy for me.

"As an actress it's my job to create magic and for the audiences to be able to relate to what is going on in the show.

"Doing what I love and creating a safe space for audiences to come and escape their worries and responsibilities is what it is all about!

"Theatre, especially a show like this, teaches valuable life lessons and being able to create such a thing with such an incredible cast that are like family is even better - what a blessing!"

Liz says there is plenty in Mary Poppins that people will enjoy.

"There's magic, talking animals, flying and all the beautiful songs, dance and costumes... these are only a few amazing aspects of our show but seriously, this show is about family and acceptance. If you are looking for a good, wholesome family fun show, look no further!"

Mary Poppins is on at the Manning Entertainment Centre until November 22.

lauren.green@fairfaxmedia.com.au