Producers seek Mary Poppins

A lack of suitable talent in Australia has forced producers of a big-budget musical to search New Zealand for a leading lady.

Casting calls in Sydney failed to find an actress to play the title character in a $20 million Walt Disney stage production of Mary Poppins, the role played by Julie Andrews in the 1964 film classic.

Now the search has been extended to Auckland, with auditions to be held between December 7 and 11 - and Kiwi casting agents couldn't be more delighted.

Karen Kay, of Karen Kay Management, said it was "interesting" Australia had failed to yield a suitable Mary Poppins.

"It's all about a look, an X-factor, and maybe there isn't an X-factor in that age group in Australia."

She was hoping to put forward soprano Elizabeth Marvelly.

Liz Delaney-Klinac, of Odd Management, said,

"It's a fantastic opportunity, and I sincerely hope a New Zealander lands it."

Silo director Shane Bosher said there was one perfect Kiwi candidate: Madeleine Sami, best known as Serita in The Jacqui Brown Diaries.

"Obviously British producers wouldn't look at her and think 'Oh, Julie Andrews', but she'd be amazing. She can sing, she can act, and she'd look great flying into the ceiling with her umbrella."