Bert

Bert is the one-man band, chimney sweep, pavement artist, and kite seller who is Mary Poppins' closest friend. He is the warmest character in the show, equally comfortable with children and adults, equally at home on the rooftops and in the park. He narrates, he guides, and he brings people together.

Personality for Dance

Bert moves with easy, natural rhythm. Everything he does has a bounce to it. He walks to a beat, he tips his hat with a flourish, he spins his chimney brush like a dance partner. He is comfortable everywhere, sliding from cockney chimney sweep to gentleman companion without missing a step. Step in Time is his big number, and it should feel like the most fun anyone has ever had on a rooftop.

The Outfit

Top

For the chimney sweep, a white henley shirt with the sleeves rolled up, covered in soot smudges. Dark suspenders. For the pavement artist, add a striped jacket and straw boater hat.

Bottom

Dark trousers, slightly too short, with dark socks visible. The chimney sweep look is deliberately scruffy.

Accessories

A flat cap or bowler hat. Chimney sweep brush and top hat for Step in Time. A chalk and easel for Chim Chim Cher-ee.

Shoes

Black tap shoes for Step in Time (if your studio does tap]. Otherwise, black jazz shoes or boots.

Hair

Messy dark hair under the cap. Smudged with soot for chimney sweep scenes.

Special Details

Soot and chimney effects using black fabric, black confetti, or washable black powder. The rooftop scene can use levels, platforms, and ladders to create the London skyline. A kite on a string for the finale.

Movement Tips

Everything is relaxed and rhythmic. Bert never forces movement, it flows out of him.
Step in Time should build from simple to spectacular. Start with basic rhythms and add complexity with each verse.
He is the bridge between Mary Poppins' world and the real world. He can shift between magical and mundane easily.
Chim Chim Cher-ee has a wistful quality. Bert on the rooftops is at peace, looking out over London.
He leads the chimney sweeps like a band leader. His energy sets the tone and they follow.

Age Recommendations

Best for ages 11-17. Bert suits versatile, warm dancers with strong jazz or tap skills and natural charisma. The role needs a performer who can hold ensemble numbers together and connect with the audience directly. Younger dancers aged 8-10 can play chimney sweep apprentices.