Patti Newton will return to work later this year, joining the cast of the musical Mary Poppins in Brisbane. 

The veteran performer will play the role of the Bird Woman, just nine months since her beloved husband, Bert, died.

“It’s still a huge thing for her,” entertainment reporter Peter Ford told Laurel, Gary and Mark. “She said to me only yesterday, ‘I keep thinking the doorbell’s going to ring and he’s going to be there’.

But Ford says Newton feels “comfortable” and “at home” performing in Brisbane.

“She’ll actually be in Brisbane for, I think it’s close to four months.

“It’s a small role, it’s a role that people want to get because they know you basically steal the show and go home!”

Press PLA Y below to hear the details 

Image: Scott Barbour/Getty Images