Manchester’s Palace Theatre will host a run of one of the greatest family musicals of all time as The Sound of Music comes to the city.
Produced by Bill Kenwright, the show features Lucy O’Byrne, returning to the iconic role of Maria, and Neil McDermott as Captain Von Trapp.
What is The Sound of Music about?
For the uninitiated, The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII.
The Sound of Music began with the story of the Trapp Family Singers and Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography. This inspired Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse to create the Broadway musical in 1959.
Featuring an unforgettable score with the likes of Edelweiss, My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, So Long, Farewell and of course, the title song, The Sound of Music, the musical has gone on to be one of the most successful of all time.
Who is appearing in The Sound of Music at Manchester’s Palace Theatre?
Lucy O’Byrne (pictured) returns to the iconic role of Maria. Lucy became a household name when she was the runner up of BBC One’s The Voice in 2015. With Will.i.am as her mentor Lucy made history as the first classical signer to reach the final, impressing the nation with her stunning range. She won rave reviews for her performance as Maria Von Trapp in the 2016 UK touring production of The Sound of Music. Following the tour Lucy won the coveted role of Fantine in Cameron Mackintosh’s world record-breaking musical phenomenon, Les Misérables which she performed in the West End until earlier this year.
Neil McDermott takes the role of Captain Von Trapp, famously played by Christopher Plummer in the much-loved film. Neil played the recurring role of Ryan Molloy in EastEnders between 2009 and 2016. Other television appearances include The Royal, Rosemary & Thyme, Doctors and Casualty. As well as his work on the small screen, Neil is a regular on the stage, with starring roles in the West End including Chief Weasel in The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium); and Lord Farquaad in Shrek (Theatre Royal Dury Lane).
When is The Sound of Music performed at Manchester’s Palace Theatre?
The Sound of Music runs at the Palace Theatre Manchester from 13-17 March 2018.