Mary pops back

Everyone’s favourite nanny is returning to the screens this Christmas. Mary Poppins Returns is a sequel to the beloved 1964 original, with our umbrella-flying hero returning to Cherry Tree Lane after 25 years to – once again – help the Banks children through a crisis.

Based on the books by PL Travers, the film stars Emily Blunt in the title role. Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda plays Jack the lamplighter – former apprentice to Bert, the dancing chimney sweep performed in the original by Dick Van Dyke with his inimitable ‘cockney’ accent. Now 92, Van Dyke returns as Mr Dawes Junior, son of Dawes Senior – the second role he played in the original movie. The star-filled cast includes Angela Lansbury as the Balloon Lady, Meryl Streep as Mary’s cousin, Julie Walters as Michael Banks’s housekeeper and Colin Firth as William Weatherall Wilkins, the current president of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank.

The first film was made at Los Angeles Burbank Studios, with sets replicating London’s St Paul’s Cathedral (the famous Feed the Birds scene) and The Bank of England. Much of the new movie was filmed on location, including The Royal Exchange and Constitution Hill near Buckingham Palace. Vintage buses from London’s Transport Museum were used to replicate the streets of 1930s London.

The film opens on 21 December in the UK – kite flying and dancing penguins are back.

Join a Blue Badge Guide for a film tour featuring Mary Poppins film locations.