King’s Theatre, Glasgow
Until: Saturday 4 June
Performance Reviewed: Wednesday 11 May
Rating: * * * *
Andrew LLoyd Webber’s The Sound of Music is set in Austria in 1938 and tells the story of nun, Maria Rainer, and how she becomes a governess of seven children, falls in love and escapes with her family from the Third Reich.
Ex-Emmerdale actress, Verity Rushworth, stars as Maria, the role made famous by Julie Andrews in the 1965 film version, in this dark, yet, at the same time heart-warming musical.
80s heartthrob Jason Donovan plays Captain von Trapp, with a large cast of very talented youngsters playing the von Trapp children on alternate nights.
Straight away I was struck by the set, very extravagant and very solid. It only impressed me more as the production progressed. The mountains looked realistic, the von Trapp house looked decadent and the convent doors even slammed. This may not sound like a big deal but the set can help turn a good production into a fantastic one.
This production, directed by Jeremy Sams, is exactly that. Fantastic. Verity Rushworth will have many people doubting her ability to play such an iconic role but as soon as she opens her mouth to sing, alongside her superb acting skills, all doubts vanish.
Jason Donovan, on the other hand, didn’t even need to open his mouth to elicit a roar from the audience and it’s clear he still has many fans supporting his career. It does have to be said however, that his voice in the very few songs he did sing, was not particularly strong, though his acoustic performance of Edelweiss was nicely done.
Each of the children were unbelievably talented and all aged between just seven and thirteen (with the exception of Claire Fishenden as Liesl).
Chris Barton as Rolf may be known to some from his television appearances in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for Joseph, Any Dream Will Do, where he reached the finals. Although he is not in many scenes, his performance of Sixteen Going on Seventeen deserves a mention. It is clear he has improved vastly since the talent show in 2007.
The Sound of Music is very nicely done by everyone involved from the sets, costumes, lighting, orchestra, producers and cast. With songs such as My Favourite Things and Do-Re-Mi it is guaranteed you will be singing along.
Playing at the King’s until June you really must see this production.
Another point to note is that Glasgow is the only Scottish date in this UK tour. For tickets visit: King’s Theatre website.
