Academy students take flight with Mary Poppins production

Students from the Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy have brought a touch of magic to the stage with their production of Mary Poppins, which began on May 20.

The school’s latest musical has been backed by a special industry connection, with students recently taking part in an acting masterclass led by acclaimed musical theatre performer Louise Bell, who appeared in the original Australian production of Mary Poppins when it opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne in 2010.

Held earlier this year, the session gave Academy students the chance to learn the iconic number Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from someone who had performed it professionally on a major stage.

Bell said it was a joy to work with the students and help pass on her love of the show.

“What a joy it was to spend time at the Academy of Mary Immaculate teaching Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious for their upcoming production of Mary Poppins,” she said.

“This show holds such a special place in my heart. To pass that love on to these hardworking and respectful students was an absolute thrill. We achieved so much in one session and I was so proud of the final result.”

Bell brings a wealth of professional experience to the classroom. Her musical theatre career has spanned a wide range of major productions across Australia, including The Boy from Oz, The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, Sunset Boulevard, Guys and Dolls, Anything Goes, My Fair Lady and Sweet Charity, working with companies such as Opera Australia, Victorian State Opera, The Production Company, Mac Entertainment and Michael Edgley.

For the students, the workshop offered more than just choreography and staging tips. It also gave them direct insight into the standards and discipline of professional theatre, while building confidence ahead of opening night.

The school said the experience reflected its commitment to providing students with authentic industry opportunities and helping nurture artistic talent alongside academic development.

As Victoria’s oldest girls’ school, the Academy of Mary Immaculate has long emphasised the performing arts as part of its broader educational offering. The school describes itself as an inclusive learning community focused on supporting students’ academic, artistic and personal development.

This year’s production of Mary Poppins is another example of that focus in action, with students stepping into a much-loved musical known for its spectacle, energy and technical challenge.