Flying High: Rehearsals, Tap Shoes and the Heart of Mary Poppins

Step behind the curtain with Hannah Simos Garner and Jason Sainsbury King as they bring a fresh spark to the beloved roles of Mary Poppins and Bert in MDMS’s magical new production. From tap shoes to flying umbrellas, they reveal the energy, emotion and teamwork it takes to reimagine a classic for today’s audiences. With heartfelt reflections, playful chemistry and a touch of theatrical magic, this episode of Showtime is a joyful reminder that Mary Poppins is as timeless, inspiring and practically perfect as ever.

🎭 Mary Poppins
🗓️  13 June to 22 June
📍 The Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood
🎟️  mdms.org.au/marypoppins

MDMS’s production of Mary Poppins is a vibrant and heartfelt retelling of the classic musical that captures the magic, warmth and whimsy audiences have loved for generations. Set in Edwardian London, the story follows the Banks family, whose lives are turned upside down when the mysterious and marvellously poised Mary Poppins arrives at their doorstep. With her signature umbrella, a talking bag and a no-nonsense charm, Mary takes Jane and Michael Banks on extraordinary adventures that help mend the rift within their family.

This production combines stunning choreography, live orchestra, charming performances and theatrical stage magic to create an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. Hannah Simos Garner brings elegance and gentle strength to the role of Mary Poppins, while Jason Sainsbury King’s charismatic Bert guides the story with wit, warmth and impressive dance talent. From high-energy numbers like “Step in Time” to the moving “Feed the Birds,” each moment is staged with care, creativity and heart.

Complete with flying effects, beautiful costumes and a multigenerational cast, MDMS’s Mary Poppins is a joyful celebration of kindness, imagination and the power of family. A practically perfect musical that reminds us anything can happen if you let it.

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HANNAH SIMOS GARNER
Playing Mary Poppins, a character who famously describes herself as "practically perfect in every way," has been both a tremendous honour and a welcome challenge for Hannah, and one for which she is deeply grateful.

She is currently studying a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice at the Melbourne Conservatorium, under the guidance of esteemed vocal coach Carrie Barr. Prior to this, she trained and performed for six years with Victorian Opera’s Youth Chorus Ensemble, regularly appearing as a soloist in their gala concerts. Hannah also spent thirteen years with Stage School Australia’s Young Australian Broadway Chorus, where she graduated as a Triple Threat and now teaches voice for the company.

Hannah has been fortunate to receive mentorship from acclaimed performer and vocal coach Anna O’Byrne, and during her school years, from Marianne Rigby. Her musical theatre highlights include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Miss Honey in Matilda, Jemima in Cats and Mary in The Secret Garden. Her theatre credits include Jane in Jane Eyre and Jo March in Little Women.

With family at the heart of the Mary Poppins story, it has been a joy for Hannah to bring this role to life alongside a generous and talented creative team and cast.

JASON SAINSBURY KING is an experienced performer and musician with over 25 years of involvement in the arts. He began singing and playing guitar from a young age and made his stage debut at age eleven in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as part of the children's chorus in the ACT.

After relocating to Victoria to pursue his theatrical studies, Jason was awarded a musical theatre grant in 2004, which allowed him to train in stagecraft and performance with lecturers from the Victorian College of the Arts. He has since trained across multiple dance styles including Latin ballroom, jazz, tap, contemporary and aerial.

Jason has performed throughout Victoria and shared the stage with renowned Australian artists such as Todd McKenney and the late Rob Guest. His most notable stage credits include Amos Hart in Chicago, for which he received the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Award for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role, Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz, Gomez Addams in The Addams Family (Guild nominated), Adam and Felicia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Charlie Price in Kinky Boots, where he met and later married his husband Brodie, and Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Jason brings passion, humour and musical talent to every role he takes on.