FOR Zizi Strallen, the chance to play the ultimate supernanny was a childhood dream come true.

"I have such happy memories of Mary Poppins," said the West End star, currently taking to the rooftops above London every night as the magical musical a three week run at Manchester's Palace Theatre.

"I would read the books every night before I went to sleep and of course I loved the film with Julie Andrews, who doesn't?

"I think more people will have seen the film but Mary Poppins is quite different in the books, she's a really feisty character with a steely side to her.

"I want to bring some of that feistiness out in this show."

When it comes to musicals, Zizi comes from theatre 'royalty'.

Her parents both starred in Cats and her aunt is actress Bonnie Langford.

Her sisters Summer and Scarlett are both leading ladies in their own right - Scarlett played Mary Poppins in the West End and on Broadway 11 years ago.

"She's given me little bit of advice but I don't think that she wants to step on my toes by saying too much," said Zizi.

Even Zizi's name has a theatrical background. She was christened Sylphide after her mother's favourite ballet. Les Sylphides, but then her mother Cherida decided her daughter looked like the famed French ballerina Zizi Jeanmaire and the nickname struck.

Mary Poppins is a joint production between Disney and Sir Cameron Mackintosh, the story has been written by Downton creator Julian Fellowes and the show choreographed by Matthew Bourne.

"I've never know a show with so many Sirs involved," laughed Zizi. "But it's a wonderful production to be part of.

"I've been in some good shows before which audiences have loved but I have never seen the audience on their feet every single night as they have with this show."

Although a touring production, Mary Poppins remains one of the most spectacular musicals to take to the stage.

"The sets are humungous," said Zizi (it will take 22 lorries to transport the set and equipment for the show as it tours the country), "and it looks fabulous.

"When we were doing a technical rehearsal we were all saying that we wished we could be in the audience just for one night to enjoy the spectacle of it all. When you're in a show, you never get the full experience."

Zizi got the part of Mary Poppins after catching Sir Cameron Mackintosh's eye in the West End show The Car Man, again choreographed by Matthew Bourne.

"Because of my dance background, that's been incorporated into the show," said Zizi, "but Mary Poppins really is a superwoman so you'd expect her to be able to dance wouldn't you?"

Zizi herself has to prove something of a superwoman as in her prim, nanny's clothes she has to wear a restrictive corset who undertaking energetic dance routines.

"I've had to dance in a corset before so I am used to it. It's not as restrictive as you might think and you certainly get used to it very quickly."

Playing Bert the chimney sweep - the role made famous by Dick van Dyke in the film - is leading Australian actor Matt Lee.

"Let's just say his Cockney accent isn't like Dick van Dyke's," said Zizi. "We have a great relationship on stage."

The movie may be over 50 years old now but it remains one of the classic family films.

"Everyone loves the film and Julie Andrews," said Zizi, "and perhaps that's both a blessing and a curse for me. But this show is just so spectacular and we have the most amazing cast."

Mary Poppins opened in Manchester on Wednesday and remains at the Palace until Saturday, March 5, before heading off to other major theatres around the UK.

"It's nice to be at one theatre for several weeks," said Zizi, ""as it gives you a chance to settle down and you're not constantly packing and unpacking.

I love Manchester and will certainly enjoy being in the city for a while."

Mary Poppins, Palace Theatre, Manchester until Saturday, March 5. Details from the box office on 0161 245 6600.