BLOC Music Theatre spokeswoman Carly McDonald said because the practically perfect nanny was in so many ways a magical character, the set designers had taken steps to ensure that magic could unfold on the stage.

“There’s some magic happening, some secrets and some surprises along the way for the audiences – things they might expect and things that they might not,” she said.

Mrs McDonald said with opening night coming up on Thursday, the cast and crew under director Debbie Fraser were all excited – and a little nervous.

“A bit of nervousness is normal,” she said.

“Preparations are going really well, with lots and lots of hard work and long hours from everybody.”

She said the show had an ensemble of 40 as well as a children’s ensemble.

Mrs McDonald said costumes and wigs by Melanie Buckingham and lighting looked “incredible”, and especially praised the sets by Nathan Weyers.

“Because of the magic of Mary Poppins, there are certainly some special elements to the set to help that magic happen. It’s a house but it’s also a rooftop and a park so it becomes a different scene,” she said.

“When the children go to the park, it’s their plain old boring park, but when they’re there with Mary Poppins, it’s a very different place.”

Mary Poppins tells the beloved story of the Banks family, who live in London but who are experiencing a few difficulties.

Even though Mr Banks insists on good behaviour, Jane and Michael are out of control and drive away all their nannies.

When a mysterious young lady arrives and takes the children on some magical adventures, the children learn a thing or two.

The show opens Thursday night at Her Majesty’s Theatre, with nightly shows at 8pm other than the 9^th and 10^th.

Matinee performances are held each Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, with tickets to these sessions selling out fast.

Tickets range from $22 to $45 and are available at www.hermaj.com