The Sound of Music

Nipped to Woking last night to see this. Checking my records, I last saw this production in 2016 when it first toured to Birmingham. I remember not being too impressed, which must explain why I haven't been back, particularly since this is one of my favourite shows of all time and the fourth or fifth time this particular production has toured (the new Blood Brothers?).

I preferred it this time around. They'd corrected some of the things I hated before, including no longer presenting some of the lines in the strange ways. There are still lots of odd little cuts.

It is cheap and cheerful compared to the Palladium production, with only a small cast (yes, two of the nuns are men), but they've made it work. The sound is good. The main Von Trapp home and ballroom looks impressive. They don't let the jokes hit, but maybe that's the audience.

Andrew Lancel was Captain Von Trapp when I saw this in 2016 and again this time in 2020. I think he's improved. I've seen him a few things in the years in between and he largely plays all of his roles the same way, but it works for this part. Emilie Fleming wasn't the best Maria, I just didn't the free spirit vibe from her, but she sang well.

I really liked Megan Llewellyn as Mother Abbess, who got a well-deserved standing ovation. Also good to see Michael Anderson as Rolf. I've seen him a few roles recently, he's cute, moves well and is always fun to watch.

As FrontrowverPaul mentioned, I recognised a few of the cast from the previous tour. I don't know if they've done other things in between, or if they're planning to tour with this show for years, as with Blood Brothers.

On Wednesday morning, there weren't that many tickets sold, but in the evening, the place was packed. Not sure how they accomplished that, but I can guess. My third row centre seat, booked the day before, had an excellent view as the rake is good in Woking.

Two members of the cast got on the same train back to London as me (sat on the next table), which was impressive as I barely made the train and they had to get changed first. 

I'd see this tour again, but hopefully there will be another full scale production coming before too long.

I went to the matinee yesterday and was definitely impressed. I don't know why I set my expectations slightly lower but I thought Emilie was brilliant, that West End star inside her is definitely still there and her voice soared. Andrew Lancel was very moving too as the Captain and the reconciliation scene was particularly touching. As mentioned, Megyn Lllewellyn is a bona fide treat. It was a pity the matinee was so empty but I really enjoyed it.