The Sound of Music Review

Having enjoyed the film version of ‘The Sound of Music’ many times both as a child and an adult, I viewed the trailer on YouTube of the adaptation that is currently showing at the Wolverhampton Grand theatre with eager anticipation, and just from those few moments I knew I was in store for a treat! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjXcmQZQ6w8 (Link to Trailer)

The casting is absolutely perfect, with the dashing Andrew Lancel (who I am actually familiar with as Coronation Street’s former villain Frank Foster) playing the role of strict and severe widow Captain von Trapp, and the enchanting Lucy Byrne who surprisingly I warmed to even more than Julie Andrews in the role of Maria! Lucy oozes a natural warmth that make her co-stars and the audience adore her! She is perfect in this role.

As well as the songs being performed to absolute perfection, the sets took my breath away, particularly the staircase in the Von Trapp home (which myself and my son simultaneously exclaimed “Wow” to!) and the convent/church scenes. During the wedding scene I actually felt like I was present at a real wedding, it really is that realistic!

This version of ‘The Sound of Music’ is truly moving and touching with an occasional humorous moment. The Von Trapp children particularly won the hearts of the audience and the song ‘Climb Every Mountain’ performed extremely powerfully by Mother Abbess (Jan Hartley) and the Nuns rounded off Act 1 to thoroughly deserved rapturous applause.

As well as much loved classics I know from the film such as the title song and 'My Favourite Things', I was in awe at Lucy’s vocal range in ‘The Lonely Goatherd’. I was also holding back the tears at Andrew Lancel’s genuinely touching version of Edelweiss! There were a couple of extra songs that I didn’t know from the film that were also performed very well.

Another moment that moved me was how some of the audience started singing ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ in the interval just before Act 2 which demonstrates the pure enjoyment!

This story still appeals to all generations. If you catch this production your heart will truly be blessed with the sound of music!