Famed stage beauty Marina Prior transforms herself in box-office hit Mary Poppins

She’s famous for her beautiful voice and dazzling looks.

And now gorgeous stage star Marina Prior has transformed herself for the latest production of the hit musical Mary Poppins now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.

Marina, 59, is unrecognisable in the famed hit show, in which she plays the part of the Bird Woman, a sweet and very old lady, as well as the sinister Miss Andrew.

In an interview with the Herald Sun on Friday, the stage veteran of hits like 9 to 5 and The Sound of Music, said she relished the change of pace from her usual glamorous parts.

‘I was the perennial ingenue, heroine, romantic lead,’ the Phantom of the Opera star said.

The Carols by Candlelight star continued: ‘There is a tendency, particularly in this country, to pigeonhole people. I’m really proud of the roles I’m doing now; they’re gutsy, interesting and age appropriate.’

The dark-haired and youthful Marina appears twenty-five years older playing the grey-haired and tattered character of the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins.

The dark-haired youthful Marina appears 25 years older playing the grey-haired and tattered character of the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins Pictured: Marina on the red carpet in 2022

‘It’s fun, really challenging, and I love it,’ she said of the role in which she has to perform in the costume of a London street beggar, complete with hand socks, stringy hair and a battered straw hat.

‘As an actor, it’s lovely to disguise yourself in that way, and I’m really hoping people don’t know it’s me.’

Based on the famous 1964 Walt Disney movie starring Julie Andrews, the stage version features dazzling sets, eye-popping special effects and toe-tapping tunes like Chim Chim Cher-ee.

In an interview with the Herald Sun on Friday, the stage veteran of hits like 9 to 5 and The Sound of Music, said she relished the change of pace from her usual glamorous parts Pictured: Marina in 9 to 5 The Musical on stage in Melbourne in 2022

So You Think You Can Dance Australia winner Jack Chambers in stars alongside Marina.

Meanwhile, Australian stage actor Stefanie Jones, plays the title role. She was hand-picked for the role by the show’s English producer and co-creator, Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

The London production of returned to the West End in 2019, 14 years after it first made its debut, and was a smash hit.

Marina has been a regular star at the annual Carols by Candlelight TV event Pictured: Marina on stage in Melbourne for the 2005 Christmas show