The Sound of Music.

Bristol Hippodrome.

Review by Charlotte Shepherd

 

BRISTOL came alive last night with The Sound of Music, as one of the most famous and much loved musicals of all-time continued its run at The Bristol Hippodrome.

Co-inciding with the 50 year anniversary since the release of the film version, this production, directed by Martin Connor and produced by Bill Kenwright, did not attempt to break new ground, staying firmly true to the original.

This is just as well - because the audience were in the mood to hear “a few of their favourite things” delivered in a familiar way and with passion and intensity.

Jessica Daley took on the role of Maria for the evening in a cast change, but made the role her own, with strong vocals.

Captain von Trapp, played by Steven Houghton, displayed the right amount of stiff self-control at the beginning, later softening under Maria’s charms.

The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII.

The production, under the musical direction of David Steadman, was never going to suffer from a lack of good songs, and they are performed throughout the show.

A particular favourite of ours was the rendition of Do-Re-Mi in the first half, which had great energy thanks in part to the choreography from Bill Deamer.

This is one production where the children really are centre stage, and the young actors chosen to make up the von Trapp family are central to the action and a lot of the singing. They perform both roles with skill and add the humorous touches to the show.

The actress who plays Liesl (Grace Chapman) deserves a special mention for her rendition of Sixteen Going of Seventeen with Rolf (Luke George).

The harmonies of the nuns are superb, but it is Mother Abbess (Jan Hartley) who steals this show. Her powerful vocals on Climb Ev’ry Mountain, closing the first half, gives the song an epic quality and is a spine-tingling moment.

This production is a fitting way for the Sound of Music to celebrate 50 years.

  • The Bristol Hippodrome shows The Sound of Music for two weeks from June 22 to July 4: evenings at 7.30pm and matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.
  • Go to www.atgtickets.com for ticket information