The Sound of Music

The hills — or rather, the Regency Hall — were alive with The Sound of Music on Tuesday evening as Saundersfoot Footlights presented their latest production of this beloved classic. Directed by Jordan Dickin, with Angharad Sanders as Musical Director, this joyful and heartfelt rendition charmed its audience from start to finish. The timeless story of Maria and the Von Trapp family was brought to life with warmth, enthusiasm, and an evident love for the material. From the opening number to the final scene, the cast delivered a performance full of spirit and sincerity, drawing the audience into the heart of the story.

In the leading role, Maria (Anna Nelmes) was portrayed with energy, humour, and genuine affection. Her rapport with the children was natural and engaging, and her musical numbers — especially “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favourite Things” — were full of charm. She captured the character’s optimism and courage with confidence, anchoring the production beautifully. The Von Trapp children were a true highlight. Each brought their own personality to the stage, creating a believable and endearing family dynamic. “So Long, Farewell” was a crowd favourite, delivered with sharp timing and infectious energy. Liesl’s graceful performance in “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” stood out along with Rolf played by Rhydian Morgan, while the youngest cast members won over the room with ease. On Tuesday the cast I saw were - Sophie Eastwood as Liesl, Ray Oiney as Friedrich, Phoebe Erskine as Louisa, Tommy La Rosa as Kurt, Frankie Fox as Brigitta, Alice Holden as Marta and Lowri Davies as Gretl.

Captain Von Trapp (Jack Butler) was played with quiet strength and dignity, and his performance of “Edelweiss” was one of the evening’s most touching moments, with his emotion very clear from where I was sitting. His scenes with Maria were tender and genuine, adding depth to the story’s emotional journey. The supporting cast brought colour and contrast to the performance, with the Mother Abbess (Sarah Stanton) offering a stirring rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” that filled the hall with both power and emotion. Max (James Marjoram) and Elsa (Libbie Stewart-Walvin) provided light-hearted moments with confident stage presence and engaging performances, rounding out the supporting cast with flair. The ensemble to include Nuns, Dinner Guests, Soldiers were well rehearsed and even though The Sound of Music doesn’t offer a lot for ensemble to do, they certainly took their moments when on stage especially Sister Margaretta (Andrea Thomas), Sister Bertha (Angela Prickett), Sister Sophia (Hannah Hawkins) & Sister Sophia (Grace Tucker). There’s always something very endearing about these characters and they certainly came across very well indeed. I have to commend the Nuns on their vocal performances as well – learning all the latin, harmonie & predominately accapella is no easy task and credit must go to Angharad for the hard work she has put into the rehearsal time.

Visually, the production was thoughtfully staged. The set was practical and effective, allowing the story to flow smoothly between scenes. Lighting enhanced mood and atmosphere, while the costumes reflected the period and setting with care and consistency. Jordan Dickin’s direction gave the production a clear sense of purpose and warmth, with attention paid to storytelling, character relationships, and pacing. The result was a show that moved confidently through its many memorable moments, always grounded in the emotional honesty of the piece.

This production of The Sound of Music was a celebration of local talent, teamwork, and the enduring appeal of a musical that continues to resonate across generations. The audience was clearly moved and delighted - a testament to the hard work and passion of the cast, crew, and creative team. In short, Saundersfoot Footlights delivered a production full of heart, music, and joy. It was an evening that left the audience smiling, humming familiar tunes and proud of the talent within their community.

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