The Sound of Music

Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. This show requires no introduction as it’s the worlds most beloved musical. After all, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a viewing of this classic movie Musical, with everyone’s favourite nanny, Dame Julie Andrews. When a show is loved as much as The Sound of Music is, it brings its own concerns of how will it live up to the film. However, the brilliant direction by Jonah Thompson dispelled any doubts. The production was brilliant, with clever lighting ideas, a stunning back drop and a talented group of youngsters. Jonah had obviously worked extremely hard with this young cast to put together a first class production. 

Amelia Atkinson shone as Maria Rainer. She gave us a truly great performance and managed to capture the many different sides to this compelex character, she is after all a flibbertigibbet, a will’o wisp and a clown! Amelia’s singing was a delight to listen too and was note perfect. Amelia was well supported by Thomas Wood as Captain Von Trapp. Speaking from experience,  the Captain is a very difficult role to play, but Thomas pulled off the strong, whistle blowing navel Captain to the loving father with ease. They made the perfect pair. Jacob Crofts delighted the audience with his comic turn as Uncle Max, his comedy timing was excellent and raised many laughs from the audience. Elsa Schrader was played to perfection by Iris Bagilhole. Iris was every inch the Baroness we love to hate, and delivered her lines with just enough bitchiness that we also felt for her when rejected by the Captain. Freya Keenlyside gave a mature performance as the Mother Abbess and her rendition of Climb Every Mountain was beautiful. 

Of course, you can’t talk about The Sound of Music without mentioning the Von Trapp Children. These children were fabulous, but I must mention Oliver Wood, who played Kurt, his diction, singing and acting was wonderful and had stage presence way beyond his years. To see just how much the children were enjoying the experience was a delight, especially in the Doe Rae Mi number.

Thank you so much to you all at Bawtry Phoenix Theatre for your kind hospitality, this Sound of Music was certainly one of my favourite things. 

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