The Sound of Music

Director Pyper employed ideas old and new and the show was pacey. Choreography was bright and suitable for differing ages and capabilities. Singers were well supported by MD Milford and his 13 piece orchestra. The Set was simple, containing all the components expected in this show and Props included lovely puppets for “The Lonely Goatherd”. Costumes were authentic and Lighting effective but I sometimes found the Sound too loud, making even the children’s voices sound harsh.

Nun’s Latin chants set the opening scene with reverent movement and singing. Heather Campbell was a motherly Mother Abbess, with Liz Johnston (Sister Berthe), Vivian Shepherd (Sister Margaretta) and Clare Manson (Sister Sophia) adding differing characterisations. Frau Schmit (Liz Pentland) and butler Franz (Roy McIlrath) were authentic servants. Tim Pentland played the Captain with Naval formality, slowly easing into gentler mood with Maria and his children. They (Conor Richardson, Carlie Rosbotham, Jack Campbell, Demi-lea Weir, Sarah McComb and Rosie Bell) were all delightful – confident in dialogue, song and movement. Liesl, was expertly played by Jane McKibbin as was Rolf (Gareth Brown). Claire Cranston’s aristocratic bearing as Elsa contrasted well with Simon Pyper as a very camp Max, extracting maximum comedy from his role!  Baron Elberfield (David Mehaffey) and a very sinister Von Schreiber (Desi Martin) were unsettling.

Well known as an accomplished comedienne, Gillian McQuade blossomed in the straight role of Maria and gave an excellent all round performance. Her singing was lovely and relationships with the nuns, children and Georg were totally believable.

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