Review: The Sound Of Music at Curve

Panto is now in full swing around the region, but Leicester’s Curve is bucking the trend with a must-see production of The Sound of Music, writes Tony Spittles.

The story of a would-be nun who leaves an Austrian convent to be become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval captain is the stuff of musical legend, as it was a hit on the Broadway and West End stages, and then gained a new life in the Oscar-winning 1965 movie, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

Director Paul Kerryson, in his swansong production after more than 20 years in Leicester, ensures that he leaves the Curve on a high note with a faithful retelling of the story that is enjoyable from beginning to end.

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Former EastEnders star Michael French lends authority to the role of Captain Von Trapp, who sees his smooth running of the family household being challenged by the arrival of new governess Maria Rainer (Laura Pitt-Pulford), after being given leave of absence by the convent’s Mother Abbess (Lucy Schaufer) who feels that her young charge is not really up to a religious life.

Their singing gave new dynamism to the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein score, which includes such standards as Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things and Climb Ev’ry Mountain, plus two numbers that were originally written for the film version - I Have Confidence and Something Good.

The seven Von Trapp children never put a foot wrong and were a delight to see and hear, and Al Parkinson’s novel set design ensured that you don’t need a passport to see the Austrian mountains.

This festive treat runs until Saturday, January 17, and for further details of tickets, £21.50 to £40, and showtimes, contact the Curve box office on 0116-242-3595, or visit the website at www.curveonline.co.uk

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