One of Wollongong's best-known leading ladies hasn't watched Julie Andrews' performance in the much-loved Disney film since she was a child - Gibbs has instead spent her downtime reading the original Mary Poppins books, written by P.L. Travers to help prepare.

"I want to stay true to what the desires of the character are from the creators but I also want to make her just a little bit my own. I've been reading the books and studying up on Travers as I want to understand what she wanted and be true to her more than anything."

Gibbs said playing Mary Poppins was both an exhilarating and completely terrifying prospect.

"Mary Poppins is such an iconic character with so many intricacies, that the challenge was just too tempting to not at least go for it."

Dane Sanderson, who will join Gibbs on stage, added he was thrilled to be playing everyone's favourite Chimney Sweep, Bert.

Playing at the WEC from July 9-11, MoonGlow Productions' season of Mary Poppins will be the first time the show has been performed in the Illawarra.

In 2013, MoonGlow staged an award-winning season of Hairspray at the Wollongong venue for the first time, and last year brought Legally Blonde the Musical to life at the same venue.

"Mary Poppins is the biggest show we have performed, and that is saying a lot," MoonGlow executive producer Michael Glover said.

"Not only do we need to have everything on-stage choreographed, but also everything that happens off-stage because this show just has so many elements to it.

"We are absolutely honoured to be bringing this show to life, and to have so many wonderful people on board, from a cast of 50, to a crew that has been working around the clock designing sets, costumes, props and anything they can to ensure we hit the mark."