Adrian returns to Lyric for Mary Poppins

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Adrian returns to Lyric for Mary Poppins

 

LYRIC Theatre’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins will see veteran Lyric performer Adrian Darakai return to the stage in the principle role of Bert.

The ex-Poowong resident last played Colin in Lyric’s Two Weeks with the Queen 12 years ago and while Adrian has not graced the Mesley stage since, he has achieved success in theatre elsewhere.

“I have done a lot of theatre for different companies and I found that Lyric Theatre has the best community out of all of them,” Adrian said.

“It does not have the ego that comes with so many Melbourne companies and it is a really friendly community here. They are just focused on putting on a good show and having fun at the same time.”

Since his South Gippsland debut, Adrian pursued professional dance, completing three years of study before breaking into the entertainment industry.

“A career highlight for me was auditioning and scoring a part in Guy Sebastian’s music video for Gold,” he said.

“It was a real highlight to be successful in the audition process and I was thrilled.”

Adrian has also performed in numerous shows including Windmill Theatre Company’s Godspell and in Cats with the Warragul Theatre Company and Nova Music Theatre Company.

Adrian received a Music Theatre Guild award for his performance in Big – The Musical and has also performed at Hisense Arena, the Footy Show and Rod Laver Arena.

“I am loving Mary Poppins because it is such a great story and it has a really positive vibe. It is a lot lighter than some of the other productions I have done. My favourite number is probably Jolly Holiday because it is such a bright and bubbly song and it really encapsulates Mary Poppins,” he said.

“The cast is fantastic and everybody has been really supportive of each other so far.”

Commuting to rehearsals from Glen Waverley, Adrian said the role is demanding and will be a challenge throughout rehearsals.

“I am supposed to do a cockney accent but it keeps coming out as New Zealand or South African,” he said.

“The stage musical is a bit different to the film and I think Dick Van Dyke’s characterisation will be the most familiar to everyone. I am going to try to keep it familiar but also put my own spin on it and make it unique.

“I suppose maybe the biggest challenge is that I have not performed on stage for many years. I have to dust up on my confidence. But I know I will enjoy it out there on stage and I know the audience will enjoy it too.”

Chim, chimney: Adrian Darakai (right) with co-star Kerryn Lockhart at rehearsals for Lyric Theatre Company’s Mary Poppins.

Chim, chimney: Adrian Darakai (right) with co-star Kerryn Lockhart at rehearsals for Lyric Theatre Company’s Mary Poppins.

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Posted by on Mar 30 2016. Filed under Arts & Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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