The Wimborne theatre is alive this week – not just with the sound of music but with some rather good and certainly very professional performances.
This most popular of Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s musicals, immortalised by the film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer is based on the true life story of the von Trapp family
At first sugar sweet, the underlining threat of the Nazis becomes deeply apparent, and is brought home to the audience chillingly when later on in the production swastikas hang from the ceiling.
Lisa Hopton has all the attributes you would expect from the character of Maria. Voice as clear as a bell, a ready smile and a warmth. Philip Redgrave is a consummate professional who fills the stage with his character not to mention his splendid voice.
Phil Evans, another popular local actor, was in his element as Max and he puts in a highly polished performance. Sally Ager was all sophistication as Elsa, the rich widow and Pauline Mansfield puts in a very powerful performance as the Mother Abbess – her rendition of Climb Ev’ry Mountain being a real tear-jerker.
If Tuesday’s performance was anythign to go by you will just love the von Trapp children – there are two teams with three performances each, with the exception of Jess Hedges, the eldest daughter, who appears each evening.
The supporting actors and the chorus just add to this excellent production, which is directed by Roy Joseph. It runs until Saturday – don’t miss it. MB
