Famed stage beauty Marina Prior transforms into TWO completely different roles in the blockbuster Mary Poppins
She is famous for her beautiful voice and stunning looks.
And now beautiful stage star Marina Prior has transformed for the latest production of the hit musical Mary Poppins, now set at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre.
59-year-old Marina is unrecognizable in the famous hit series, in which she plays the roles of Bird Woman, a sweet and very old lady, and the sinister Miss Andrew.
Stage star Marina Prior has transformed for the latest production of the hit musical Mary Poppins, now set at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre. Image: Marina Prior is unrecognizable as the bird woman in the famous show adapted from the 1964 Disney film
In an interview with the Herald Sun on Friday, the stage veteran of hits like 9 to 5 and The Sound of Music said she enjoyed the change from her usual glamorous roles.
“I was the eternal genius, the heroine, the romantic lead,” said the Phantom of the Opera star.
The Carols by Candlelight star continued: “There is a tendency, especially in this country, to pigeonhole people. I’m really proud of the roles I’m doing now; They are bold, interesting and age appropriate.”
Dark-haired and youthful, Marina looks 25 years older, playing the grey-haired and ragged character of the bird-woman in Mary Poppins.
Appearing 25 years older, dark-haired teenage Marina plays the grey-haired and ragged character of the bird-woman in Mary Poppins’ picture: Marina on the red carpet in 2022
“It’s fun, it’s really challenging and I love it,” she said of the role, in which she has to play the costume of a London street beggar, complete with hand socks, straggly hair and a battered straw hat.
“As an actor, it’s nice to dress up like that and I really hope people don’t know it’s me.”
Based on the famous 1964 Walt Disney film starring Julie Andrews, the stage version features dazzling sets, stunning special effects and breathtaking tunes like Chim Chim Cher-ee.
In an interview with the Herald Sun on Friday, the stage veteran of hits like 9 to 5 and The Sound of Music said she enjoyed the change from her usual glamorous roles. Pictured: Marina in 9 to 5 The Musical on stage in Melbourne in 2022
So You Think You Can Dance Australia winner Jack Chambers in stars alongside Marina.
Meanwhile, Australian stage actress Stefanie Jones plays the title role. She was chosen for the role by English producer and series co-creator Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
The London production of returned to the West End in 2019, 14 years after its debut, and was a smash hit.
Marina was a regular star at the annual Carols by Candlelight TV event. Pictured: Marina on stage in Melbourne for the 2005 Christmas show