Rehearsal Workshop in Beijing “Mary Poppins”
Following the resounding success of the May Musical Theatre Masterclass, Beijing’s Dahua Theatre has taken an ambitious leap forward—this time transforming the beloved West End musical Mary Poppins into a summer stage experience like no other. The project brought together a cohort of 30 students aged 7 to 18, led by acclaimed West End director Omar F. Okai and Ivy Pan, who played Christine in the Chinese production of The Phantom of the Opera. Within just eight days, the young cast devised and performed nearly 50 minutes of a “potted” show, culminating in a live performance on the Dahua City Stage in Beijing, complete with costumes, choreography, and set design.
From the outset, this was a meticulously planned collaboration between the London and Beijing. Months before the camp began, the creative team was hard at work: selecting appropriate excerpts from the script, adapting choreography and vocal arrangements, conducting virtual auditions, and coordinating production meetings across time zones. In a particularly moving moment, Omar drew on his West End network to gather video messages from original cast members—an emotional surprise that deeply touched the Beijing cast.
The schedule was nothing short of intense: six days of rehearsal, one day of technical run-throughs, and one performance day. Yet, in this tightly packed timeframe, the students experienced a fully immersive musical theatre journey. From character work and English script training to vocal coaching, staging, mic tests, and a full dress rehearsal, every step echoed the discipline and passion of professional West End practice.
The wide age range allowed for a richly layered portrayal of characters, with younger children playing the Banks siblings, while older students took on iconic roles such as Mary Poppins, Bert, and Mr and Mrs Banks. The cast also brought to life vibrant supporting characters like Mrs Corry, the Bird Woman, and various magical figures from the whimsical world of Cherry Tree Lane. Each role was delivered with a mix of youthful charm and budding professionalism—faithful to the original, yet fresh with new energy.
When classic music meets youthful creativity, and West End standards collide with local imagination, something magical happens. This performance was not only a celebration of theatrical excellence, but a powerful memory-in-the-making for all involved.
As a co-organising partner, LAMT Musical was proud to provide teaching expertise, coordinate planning, and support the vision from London to Beijing. Watching once-timid students blossom into confident performers—delivering lines in English, tackling choreography with precision, and shining under the spotlight—was a deeply rewarding experience.
To every student, parent, tutor, and team member involved: thank you. The laughter, sweat, and breakthroughs of these eight days have created far more than a show. You’ve created a summer memory that will last a lifetime.
