‘A Few Of My Favourite Things’ About The Sound Of Music

They say you should never work with children or animals but every time the von Trapp family sang in the latest Bill Kenwright production of The Sound of Music at the Palace Theatre in Manchester I got goosebumps.

Their voices complimented each other well in the classic Do-Re-Mi and they marched in perfect unison throughout their performance of So Long, Farewell.

I felt even more teary-eyed when Captain von Trapp, played by Neil McDermott (known for his role as Ryan Molloy in EastEnders) finally realises that music is what is missing from their home and joins in, forming the infamous von Trapp Family Singers.

The critically-acclaimed production of the classic musical The Sound of Music, which is on in Manchester until Saturday 17 March, opened to an audience of all ages at the Palace Theatre on Oxford Road.

The production tells the true story of the world-famous von Trapp family. From their romantic beginnings to their thrilling escape to freedom at the start of WWII.

The set was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. When we arrived at the theatre we were greeted by the dramatic backdrop of the Austrian mountains that whisked us away to Salzburg and set the scene. When the curtain rose, we saw Nonnberg Abbey with its huge arches, before the sweeping staircase in the von Trapp home was revealed, an architectural masterpiece.

Lucy O’Byrne had big boots to fill but her performance was very energetic and sweet. No wonder she has been described as “quite possibly the best Maria since Julie Andrews herself.”

Having appeared in Les Misérables on the West End, Lucy played a sweet and innocent Maria – and the audience instantly fell in love with her.

Neil’s deep voice fitted the stern demeanour of Captain von Trapp perfectly, but we later see him become the caring father the children longed for.

But for me, Mother Abbess (Megan Llewellyn) stole the entire show. Her powerful performance of Climb Ev’ry Mountain was breath-taking and received a roaring applause from the entire audience.

Image: Pamela Raith Photography

Elsa Schraeder (Kara Lane) and Uncle Max (Howard Samuels) provided the comedy for the night with their ability to bounce off each other and their tongue in cheek asides performance of How Can Love Survive?.

The production features all of the unforgettable and well-loved numbers from the 1965 film, which was an enjoyable night for all of the family of all generations.

The Sound of Music is on stage until Saturday 17 March. Call the box office on 0844 871 3019 or visit www.atgtickets.com to book tickets online.