Theatre / Musical
Review: The Sound of Music, Hippodrome
This is a cracking show which, nearly 60 years after it first opened on Broadway, is still fresh as a daisy. It’s packed full of wonderful Rodgers and Hammerstein songs and charming performances from an energetic and exuberant cast who give it their all.
This musical has everything – the original singing nuns, romance, a daring escape plan and even cute kids singing and dancing. I won’t bother you with the plot because no-one is going to see this new touring production who’s not seen the movie a dozen times, but the question you’ll be asking is: how does the Hippodrome stage compare with a widescreen cinema screen? Those are, after all, big hills.
Relax. You are in safe hands and won’t be let down for a moment. This show does a great job of recreating every aspect of what you’ll be hoping to see – and in a particularly stylish way. Many of the scene changes and set pieces – catacombs, abbeys, extravagant wedding ceremonies (and, yes, more hills) are produced by very effective lighting working in conjunction with a particularly well designed and versatile set. Musical director Kelvin Towse and his 11 musicians also do sterling work.
is needed now More than ever
But it’s the stars of the show who bring the story to life, and here there are some genuine standout performances. Every SoM has to have a great Maria and here it’s Lucy O’Byrne (pictured top). With a soaring vocal delivery, fantastic charisma and real acting skills, it’s time we stopped lebelling her ‘The Voice UK runner-up’.
Rebecca Caine, the Mother Abbess, also has a great set of pipes and brings the house down with Climb Ev’ry Mountain. All seven of the junior Von Trapps are also excellent, but perhaps the biggest surprise of the night is Andrew Lancel as The Captain. I didn’t expect the man who won ‘Villain of the Year’ as Frank Foster in Coronation Street to bring such a lot to the part.
Oh, and if you’re ever invited to a SoM fancy dress party, go as a brown paper package wrapped up with string. It might be uncomfortable – but you’re bound to end up as somebody’s favourite thing.
The Sound of Music continues at the Hippodrome until Saturday, 3 September. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-taming-of-the-shrew/bristol-hippodrome
Pic: Mark Yeoman
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