Growing up The Sound of Music was one of my favourite movies. I watched it over and over and sang along with all the songs. I was curious how the movie I loved would translate into a musical on stage.
I had high expectations and the show exceeded them. In this review of the Sound of Music at Norwich Theatre Royal, I will share more about why you need to go see it too.
*We were invited to the press night to see the show so that we could share our experience with our readers.
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About The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music is based on the true story of Maria von Trapp, who becomes governess to widowed Captain Von Trapp’s seven children and brings music and love back into his home.
The original Broadway production in 1959, starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In 1961, the first London production opened at the Palace Theatre. The iconic film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture in 1965.
* You can watch the movie version of The Sound of Music here.
Review of The Sound of Music musical at Norwich Theatre Royal
You can’t help but love this heartwarming story with foot tapping songs. I knew that the musical would not be an exact copy of the movie, but it was important to me that it was true to the spirit of movie and it was. The differences were noticeable and made the show fresh but didn’t have an impact on the story.
Richard Rogers’ and Oscar Hammerstein’s music is one of the reasons that this show is popular. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer set the standards high, but the cast in this production by the Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society did not disappoint. They all had powerful voices and sang with emotion.
Michelle Unstead, who played Maria, had huge shoes to fill. She sang some of the show’s most iconic songs (i.e. The Sound of Music, My Favourite Things) with ease.
The rousing performance of Climb Ev’ry Mountain at the end of each half led by Sara Cubitt, the Mother Abbess, gave me the chills. She hit those high notes possibly better than I have ever heard anyone do before.
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Particular praise also goes to the performances by the children. They all carried off their roles brilliantly, bravely, and professionally.
The background was a screen that brought the beauty of Austria to the theatre. When the set changed, it was seamlessly choreographed keeping the show flowing smoothly.
The final scene was brilliantly staged and a wonderful conclusion to the show. I won’t spoil it for you – you need to see it for yourself. It was an absolute triumph with the emotional payoff the show deserved.
I wasn’t the only one that enjoyed the performance. The entire audience gave the cast a well-deserved roaring standing ovation.
Whether you love the Sound of Music or haven’t seen it before, you don’t want to miss this show. While I might have been more excited to see the show than my husband, Russell, he enjoyed it just as much as I did.
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The Sound of Music FAQs
It is on from 18 January 2022 to 22 January 2022
Tickets start at £18.00. You can purchase tickets online here.
Yes. It is recommended for ages 5 and up. For more family-friendly ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in Norwich with kids.
The show lasts approximately 2 hours 35 minutes including an interval.
The bars have food and snacks, including local ice cream available for purchase. The Circle Bar offers sandwiches and cakes, too.
Yes. Masks are now mandatory for customers and visitors, except those under the age of 11 or who are medically exempt. Theatre Royal staff will continue to wear masks.
Casts and crews are ‘bubbled’, and backstage the theatre is zoned to keep performers, crew and audiences safe.
Additional cleaning measures have been in place since the theatres reopened.
Note: Covid passports are not required as the updated measures currently only apply to unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people.
Norwich Theatre Royal is easy to get to as it is located on Theatre Street (next to the Assembly House) in the Norwich city centre. It’s about a 7 minute walk from the Norwich Bus Station or a 20 minute walk from the Norwich Train Station
You could use any car park in Norwich city centre, but The Forum and Chantry Place car parks are the closest ones to Norwich Theatre Royal. Alternatively, you could use the Park & Ride as it’s a short walk from the Norwich Bus Station.
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Thoroughly enjoyed this amateur performance which was well
up to professional standards. All those Nuns ! – and all those Orchestra members !! And the one set of children !!! Wow live Theatre is back with a bang 🤗
Glad to hear you enjoyed The Sound of Music at the Theatre Royal too.