CHIPPING Sodbury actor Rhys Batten in Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical group’s multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins.

Rhys said: “I fell in love with performing at the Bristol Hippodrome as a child which was the first stage I ever performed on.

"Now I am back performing on that very as a professional actor for the first time ever as a part of the ensemble for the award multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins. It’s a real full circle moment for me.”

Rhys was born in Chipping Sodbury and grew up in Yate with a passion for gymnastics. But that all changed during his Year 8 music lesson at King Edmund Community School when his teacher told him BLOC Productions needed more children for its production of Oliver! and would be hosting auditions.

Rhys landed a role and after stepping onto the stage at the Bristol Hippodrome, fell in love with performing.

He went on to join the Bristol School of Performing arts and Bristol Musical Youth Productions, which performed twice a year at the Redgrave Theatre. He also performed again with BLOC Productions in Beauty and the Beast in 2010.

Rhys was cast in Mary Poppins after going through six rounds of auditions.

As part of the ensemble, he takes on numerous roles and features all the big choreographic numbers, including an integral moment in the musical number ‘Jolly Holiday’.

When asked about some of his favourite spots in Bristol Rhys says he loves the Harbourside and his favourite spot for a drink is the Arnolfini in the summer months.

For anyone who hasn’t seen Mary Poppins Rhys said: “It as one of the best shows out there, it is the most magical show, it really is. Even in the rehearsals, without the costumes, without the set, the cast have been in tears because it really is so magical. It is a fun filled show that brings you back to your childhood.”

Mary Poppins is at the Bristol Hippodrome from Monday 4 – Saturday 30 November. For tickets, visit atgtickets.com/shows/mary-poppins/bristol-hippodrome/