THREE local boys are treading the boards this summer in the touring production of the musical Mary Poppins. Ten-year-old Thomas Goodall of Sutton Coldfield, 11-year-old Max Griesbach of Knowle and ten-year-old George Spittle-McGuire also of Knowle are among a group of youngsters chosen to play the part of Michael Banks. The children are currently shuttling back and forth between their homes and Plymouth where the show opened and next month they will bring the role to Birmingham Hippodrome for the summer. Mary Poppins is Thomas Goodall's second chance in the limelight after he featured in 39 performances of Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory Theatre last Christmas. His dad, 48-year-old area director Steve says the Four Oaks Primary School pupil is loving the experience. "He literally finished in Peter Pan and the next week or so we heard from the people behind Mary Poppins," says Steve, who is married to 46-year-old housewife Maxine. "Thomas is really enjoying the experience, he has adapted to it well and is keeping his feet firmly on the ground." For George Spittle-McGuire, Mary Poppins is his first outing on the professional stage. His mum Ana, a 42-year-old teacher, says: "He started going to Valentine Theatre School where his sister goes and he loves it. "He was so excited after the audition that he kept checking the emails at 6am every day," says Ana, who is married to builder Mark. "When he opened the email saying he had got it he was so chuffed." Max Griesbach's family have already had the chance to see their youngster on stage as he was one of the first children to play Michael Banks in Plymouth. Mum Lynda, a 42-year-old accountant, dad Chris, a 46-year-old company director, and daughter Sophie, aged 13, have all been in the audience. "We have only been three times so far," laughs Lynda. "But we will go again. And when he comes to Birmingham all the rest of the family can go." * Mary Poppins opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday July 10 and will play until September 27. Tickets: 0844 338 5000 or visit www.birmingham hippodrome.com | 
