Dream Casting: Mary Poppins floats back into theatres

Following today's announcement that Disney and Cameron Mackintosh will bring Mary Poppins back for a new a tour of the UK and Ireland later this year, our features editor Ben Hewis dons his imaginary casting hat once more and ponders his dream cast.

Mary Poppins – Savannah Stevenson AND Gina Beck

I can't choose between these two. Both are used to the notion of humans inexplicably defying gravity, both possess the elegance and English Rose look needed for everyone's favourite nanny and both have the voice of an angel worthy of following in the boot-steps of Julie Andrews.

Bert – Richard Fleeshman

From Urinetown to London Town, the Fleeshmeister has the blue eyes and the cheeky chappy charm to fill Dick Van Dyke's shoes.

Mr Banks – Michael Xavier

Following his turn as Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Michael already has hiring nannies played by Julie Andrews down to a T. It might also help that he's tall, dark and handsome too.

Mrs Banks – Tamsin Carroll

Hey Cameron, I'm really sorry, I know Miss Saigon has just won 9 WhatsOnStage Awards, but I'm just going to steal Tamsin from you, hope that's OK? Thanks, bye!

Jane Banks – Isabella Pappas

I saw The Nether this week and 11 year old Pappas' performance was outstanding. Watch this space, she is going to be a star!