The Sound of Music

I am sure there cannot be many people who are unaware of the story of Maria the feisty young novice nun, who has been sent by the Mother Abbess on a temporary transfer to look after the seven Von Trapp children and ends up falling in love with their widowed father.  It is a long time since I have seen such a huge cast for this show but everyone did their bit. Sarah Milner produced an electrifying performance as Maria. I’ve rarely heard singing so good in an amateur show and her rapport with the children a joy to watch. Equally Heather Kemeys played the Mother Abbess with authority, confidence and genuine emotion. Her powerful rendition of Climb Every Mountain brought the first act to a stirring and emotive close. The children must also have a mention as they were without exception excellent.  All had good singing voices and all produced good, believable, confident performances. I must compliment Katie Wood (Liesl) and Dave Upcraft (Rolf) who were marvellous with 16 going on 17.  Katie was everything that the eldest daughter should be, showing great support to the younger members of her family. Mike Mackenzie played the unbending Captain Von Trapp brilliantly showing his growing feelings for Maria from the all important moment when they danced together at the ball. Nicola Shaw played the Baroness Elsa with genuine warmth towards Captain Von Trapp with a slightly distant interest in the children and Ian Foster imbued his character of Max with much humour. There was excellent support too from Glen Cowlard (Franz), Adrian Locke (Herr Zeller), Petra Davies (Sister Margaretta) Sally Jones (Frau Schmidt), Lynn Lawrence (Sister Berthe), Kathy Stokes (Sister Sophia) and Peter Howell (Admiral von Schreiber).  The show was made complete with beautiful singing by the nuns accompanied by a first rate 17 strong orchestra.

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