The Sound of Music - London Palladium (review)
Review by Lizzie Guilfoyle
WITH the very public auditioning for the coveted role of Maria in the first reality TV programme of its kind, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian’s revival of The Sound of Music received unprecedented pre-show publicity. The question is, does the magic and promise of those early days still exist after almost 15 months and more than 1,000 performances? I think it does.
The Sound of Music is, of course, one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most popular musicals, due in part to the 1965 film that starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. It was, in fact, my introduction to the story of Maria, an irrepressible young postulant who, against her will and to determine her suitability to become a nun, is sent to work as governess to seven unruly children.
Their father, Captain von Trapp, a widowed naval officer, runs his home (and children) with military precision – much to Maria’s dismay. Yet undeterred, she challenges his system, as well as her charges’ initial antagonism and, in no time at all, wins them round with her warmth and spontaneity. She also brings music into their lives.
Before long and in spite of his engagement to the beautiful Baroness Schraeder, the Captain and Maria fall in love but, as in all good stories – even one based on fact – the course of true love runs far from smoothly. And, set as it is in pre-war Austria, The Sound of Music also has a dark side. For with the Annexation of Austria comes danger, particularly for those like the Captain who remain staunchly loyal to the country of their birth.
Connie Fisher, or Connie as I’m sure she’ll be known for a very long time (and there’s no better compliment than being known simply by a forename), is an absolute delight as the tomboy postulant whose life is changed by her natural understanding of human relationships.
Her interaction with the children, in particular, is a joy to behold. In fact, during their many scenes together, I found myself smiling quite unashamedly. And full marks to the children, to 16-year-old Liesl (Amy Lennox) especially, for their thoroughly convincing performances.
There is, however, a distinct lack of chemistry between Maria and the Captain (Simon Burke). In fact, I’d go so far as to say that if you didn’t know they were in love, you would never guess it. And the blame lies with Burke whose performance – and I hesitate to use the word wooden – is devoid of any real emotion, even when dancing the Landler in what should have been a defining moment in his and Maria’s relationship. A pity…..
The sets, as you would expect from a West End production, are superb and shift effortlessly from Abbey to von Trapp mansion to mountain. Although I have to say, the curtain call plays out beneath a retracted mountain that bears an uncanny resemblance to the alien craft of Independence Day.
The costumes too, perfectly complement the characters they adorn. As the new governess, Maria’s are appropriately ‘ugly’, whereas those worn by Baroness Schraeder (Fiona Sinnott) are nothing short of exquisite – the ball gown in particular. All of which, adds up to a production that is extremely pleasing to the eye.
And, of course, there’s the music – familiar songs such as My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Sixteen Going On Seventeen, The Lonely Goatherd, Climb Every Mountain, plus the title song itself – performed, without exception, in very fine voice.
If you loved the film, you’ll certainly warm to this excellent production. However, changes are afoot – from February 26, 2008, Summer Strallen will take over the role of Maria and IndieLondon would love to hear your views on her performance. In the meantime, congratulations to all concerned for maintaining the magic that is The Sound of Music.
The Sound of Music – presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian. The Really Useful Group and Live Nation.
Music by Richard Rodgers.
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse – suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp.
Orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett.
Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Trude Rittmann.
Musical Supervision – Simon Lee.
Lighting Designer – Mark Henderson.
Sound Designer – Mick Potter.
Choreographer – Arlene Phillips.
Set and Costume Designer – Robert Jones.
Director – Jeremy Sams.
CAST: Connie Fisher, Simon Burke, Margaret Preece, Luke Fredericks, Paul Grunert, Amy Lennox, Fiona Sinnott, Christopher Blades, Vivien Care, Kate Coysten, Susie Fenwick, John Griffiths, Paul Kemble, Emma Lindars, Elen Mon Wayne, Nicola Sloane, Jon De Ville, Robert Maskell and David Wilder.
THE CHILDREN: James Backway, Harry Child, Ashley Clish, Jessica Daugirda, Ryan Heenan, Mia Jenkins, Pia Johnson, Rosie Lumbard, James Millsom, Peter O’Brien, Libby O’Connor, Sophie Onslow, Edward Parry, Annabel Parsons, Megan Polston, Melissa Pullinger, Annabel Smith and Victoria Smith.
The London Palladium, Argyll Street, W1V 1AD.
Tel: 0870 890 1108.