Went to MK Theatre for the matinee performance on Saturday 14th November.What an outstanding performance by everyone,Connie is dynamic & her workrate & enthusiasm are infectious,i couldn't believe real tears were in her eyes when the scenes were emotional,even after all the shows she's done,the children were exceptional & the show was inspirational to all who were lucky enough to see it.First time for me at the MK Theatre,which i thought was first class.Would certainly go to see it again.Thanks to everyone concerned for a great experience
Star-struck Brian & Co

Having seen this fantastic show in Southampton. I made my way to Milton Keynes on 4th November at 2.30pm to see it again. It didn't disappoint, infact I thought it was even better.
There were a few small changes which added to the show, made it different and kept it fresh. The whole cast were again superb, everyone giving their all and lighting up the theatre with their performance.
We were in the first row right next to the orchestra pit. It was fascinating to watch the musicians at work, and what a splendid job they did bringing the show alive from the very first note.
The children were absolutely adorable and very talented. Kirsty is still wonderful as Maria. Margaret Preece and 'Climb Every Mountain' will never be forgotten. And the ever gorgeous and highly talented Michael Praed (my highlight of the show) the perfect Captain Von Trapp.
Everyone involved with this amazing production deserves another standing ovation and a great big 'Thank you' from me. I can't wait for Llandudno in May, when I am going to see it again.
JMR, Kent.

helloo all
i had a fantasic night at the mk thearter on th 9th nov 2009 the young child who played marta was fanstasic i love it . would love it if it can return to milton keynes would definetly go again .
regards
mr david trodden

On Tuesday November 3rd 2009 I went to Milton Keynes Theatre to see the Sound of Music tour, and I was completely blown away by the whole spectacle (tho I may be a little biased as my brother is part of the sound crew!)

The cast were fabulous, great performances from all, and I was very impressed with the quality of the singing. Connie was excellent, but Michael Praed really impressed me, a good display of dramatic acting coupled with some tender and secure singing. I must mention some of the ensemble singing as well, it all blended nicely together.

But I really wanted to praise the other people who dont get as much credit as they should.

A huge credit must go to the band. They produced a great sound, were very tight together, and there was some superb solo playing.

The set worked very well, the mountain was very effective, and the scene changes were very slick. I particularly liked the Festival Concert Nazi backdrops, very dramatic.

The sound was fantastic, I could hear every word in the songs and the quality we heard was really good. The lighting was effective and subtle when needed, and really enhanced the visual aspect.

Clearly there is an excellent team working hard to produce a great show, and I wish everyone involved every future success, I'm sure it will play to sold-out audiences all over the country and be a huge hit.

Best wishes.

Andy Bettle

Ps can I give a special hello to my brother Rob and the rest of the sound crew, doing a great job guys, you should be very proud of your work.

I went to see The sound of music on the 30th October 2009 at Milton Keynes Theatre, and I really had a good time. Connie is simply Maria-she is a beautiful singer and a good actress. From the minute she started to sing to the end of the show, she brought smiles all round. Michael Praed is a good Captain, he also sings Edelweiss beautifully. Maggie Preece has a beautiful voice and acts so well. The children were very talented and acted all their parts well. Infact, All the cast acted their roles well!
I went to the stage door after the show, and got to meet the children on that night(Oliver Harper, Kristen White, Joseph Brill, Sophie Thorne, Ellie Simons and Megan Clarke) and got them to sign my programme and chatted to them for a bit, they were very bubbly and friendly. Then met Maggie Preece and Jacinta Mulcahy, who are both lovely, and Connie then came out, she is lovely. They ALL signed my programme. Want to thank the cast for putting on such a great show and I really enjoyed it.
From Jennifer(age 15), Scotland

As a fan of 'The Sound of Music' since was a child Ive always wanted to see it live so I went to see 'The Sound of Music' in Southampton on 22nd October 2009, the matinee performance. My husband, Mother-in-law and myself thought It was absolutely brilliant, We all loved every amazing moment of it.
We originally booked to see it September 2006 but due to a back injury i abstained from attending .The whole cast were fantastic. We would have liked to see Connie Fisher but thought Kirsty Malpass was outstanding as Maria in place of Connie. Margret Preece was marvellous as the Mother Abbess, her voice is superb.
Michael Praed was perfect as Cpt. Von Trapp. He has such stage presence, he sings beautifully and looks stunning in his Naval uniform, and evening dress.
The children are adorable and really wonderful in their roles, This show has everything, it is an uplifting experience. Judging by the applause everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I would love to go again sometime in the future.

Linda Bailey

Brandon Suffolk

Sound of music Mayflower....3 vists later

Wow, I came to see the show for the first time on the 7th October 7.30pm, I was totally overwhelmed at how goo the show was, I am a life long sound of music fan, an I must admit I was trying to make comparisons and find fault......but it was superb, I loved it, so I booked tickets for the 16th and the 24th October, and I enjoyed it just as much on the second and third visit.
the whole cast are fantastic, and keep it fresh, I just wish there was a recording done with the present cast, as Maggie priest has a beautiful powerful voice, she reduced many to tears.
Congratulations to the whole cast and crew. I'm thinking of travelling to see the show elsewhere, I just can't accept that last night will be the last time I see it.....or will there be a DVD??????
Anne fletcher

October 21st.

What can I say? Absolutely enchanting and definitely the best stage production of anything I have ever seen anywhere.

The wonderful performances by all the cast are so uplifting and better than the film in my humble opinion. When Maggie Preece as Mother Abbess sings Climb Ev'ry Mountain she sends tingles down the spine! However, the highlight for me (apart from wanting to sing-a-long) was the often unsung heroes of wardrobe and stage production. The swift, slick costume changes made the whole story flow seamlessly and the scenery changes were awesome.
Whoever created those scenes deserves a medal - they look sooooo realistic!

The children are, of course, charming and beautiful and I have to say, particularly to the youngest of the cast members, what a wonderful example they are to children everywhere, especially as they have to fit everything around normal tutoring and 'kids stuff', as well as the late night performances!

Michael Praed was perfect casting as Captain von Trapp and went first from scary, disciplinarian Naval Officer to warm, cuddly and caring father of seven amazing children, then back to proud but concerned (and angry) Austrian native. Totally believable.

Connie, we voted for you in our hundreds of thousands throughout "Maria"
and you have repaid that faith with a stunning performance that would make Rodgers & Hammerstein very proud!

To recap in a word:
Brilliant!
Pete Moss
Southampton

What a fantastic production! I came from Seattle, WA, USA to see Connie Fisher in this show, and it was better than I could have imagined. The sets, the actors, the singing, the orchestra, all brilliant! It was well worth the trip. I saw 4 shows in Cardiff from Aug. 26 to the 29th.
I thought I might be bored by the 4th show, but I wasn't, in fact, I can't wait to see it again! So I'm coming to Edinburgh to see the final 4 shows of Connie's tour!
Connie IS Maria, her voice is SO BEAUTIFUL! Like others have said, Climb Every Mountain is so emotional, what a great way to end the first Act & the ending. Can't wait for Edinburgh!
Kathy Perry
Seattle, WA USA

I went to see The Sound of Music in Southampton on Friday 16th October. What an amazing show. The whole cast were fantastic, but special mentions to Connie Fisher, who blew me away as Marie and Margaret Preece. When she sang 'Climb Every Mountain' it sent shivers down my spine. The ones that steal the show though, are the Von-Trapp children. Each one has there own unique character, which each child played to perfection. I had seen this show when it was on in London, but have to say the tour is far superior.
Lisa
Winchester

We travelled down to Southampton from Bristol to see the show on Saturday 10th October. What a fantastic show, well worth the journey. The whole cast were absolutely brilliant! Connie was outstanding and her relationship with both the Captain and all of the children was very believable. The team of children performing that evening were very talented and enchanting. I think the older children, Friedrich, Louisa and Kurt, deserve a special mention as they did an extremely good job and often don`t get mentioned because they aren`t cute. All of the children acted out their roles superbly and they should all feel really proud of themselves. Maggie Preece`s rendition of "Climb Every Mountain" was spell binding. The whole show was amazing and everyone involved in this production obvoiusly work really hard and should all be congratulated.I cannot recommend this show highly enough.

L White
Bristol

We saw the show in Southampton on the 2nd October. Having already seen it in London on a few occasions the show was as excellent as ever - dare I say even better! Connie as usual was amazing as Maria, Michael Brilliant as the Captain - especially in the Naval Uniform!! What to say of Margaret - Her voice is superb, I saw both Lesley Garret and Margaret in London and I have to say Margaret's performance leaves Goosebumps on my arm with her rendition of Climb Every Mountain BRILLIANT!!!!! Well done to every single member of the cast. Thanks for yet another great evening - looking forward to Milton Keynes and Manchester!!!
Di Frisby - Crawley

I went to see 'The Sound of Music' on tour in Southampton on 1st October 2009, the matinee performance. It was absolutely brilliant, I loved every amazing moment of it.
The whole cast were fantastic. Kirsty Malpass was outstanding as Maria in place of Connie. Margret Preece is mavellous as the Mother Abbess, her voice is superb.
Michael Praed is perfect as Cpt. Von Trapp. He has such stage presence, he sings beautifully and looks stunning in his Naval uniform, and evening dress.
The children are adorable and really wonderful in their roles, especially the little ones.
This show has everything, it is an uplifting experience. Judging by the applause and the people I spoke to afterwards, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I would love to go again.
JMR, Kent

Southampton, 30th September.

would just like to say this show was fantastic Connie Fisher was just like i thought she was going to be she was just like julie andrews!!! The children were very talented and the acting skills was spot on especially the little girl who played gretel she was really good and cute. The set was amazing. A show well worth seeing thanks for such a good evening we came from the isle of wight it was well worth it!! xxx
Trinity Theatre, Cowes
Sandown

Southampton, 30th September.

It was a fantastic show. Well done to all the cast. Connie was great. The children were brilliant especially the little one playing Gretel. She was exceptional. Good luck for the rest of the run. Thank you all again for a teriffic show.
Ann Pring
Andover

Southampton, 30th September.

A visual and musical treat and extremely well produced and directed - worthy of the 5 min standing ovation. Connie Fisher showed why she won the BBC show - loads of personality, energy and a truly genuine bonding with the rest of the cast especially the children. The Mother Superior continued in the same vein as when she appeard in the West End - absolutely superb. Please pass our thanks to the cast and crew, ( who often do not get the recognition they deserve), for an excellent show and giving people the opportunity to transport themselves albeit only for one evening into something quite magical and a wonderful distraction from day to day life.
Stephen Tuddenham
New Milto

Not just 'Something Good' this show is 'Something Awesome'

Alhambra Theatre Bradford September 2009 attended two performances 11th & 18th Sept

The challenge for a production of the Sound Of Music must lie in it's familiarity to so many of the audience which makes it all the more remarkable when a performace flies by and seems so fresh and new.

I went to the Sound of Music at the Palladium (with Connie Fisher and Lesley Garret) it was a polished and very enjoyable show, but this touring production is even better.

It is quite simply the best show I have ever seen.

As a lifelong addict of musical theatre, especially Rodgers and Hammerstein and the Sound Of Music in particular I have seen hundreds of professional and amateur shows. This one is something else and makes one want to go back and back. We have already booked for Manchester at Christmas.

Margaret Preece is a showstopper with her measured and 'just the right amount of emotion' first half closing 'Climb Every Mountain'' which reprises at the end with the family on the mountain behind the nuns and sends shivers down your spine.

Connie Fisher is totally awesome, brilliant in every aspect and her rendition of The Sound Of Music is absolutely stunning. I think her voice is even better than it was when we saw her at the Palladium. When she won the TV show she promised not to let the people down and how magnificently she has kept that promise - clearly giving every performance her absolute best - the mark of a true star.

Thank you for bringing this production on tour and thank you to all the cast and production team for a truly great experience. If I envy anyone it is my youngest grandchild who at 8 was seeing The Sound Of Music for the very first time - lucky girl!

Thank you for bringing this magical show on tour and thank you to all the cast and production team for a truly great experience. It's a sell out in Bradford and no doubt it will be everywhere it goes - deservedly. The curtain calls at the end had the atmosphere of a huge family - cast and audience celebrating something exceptional, Connie's walk down literally raises the roof.
Mary W-B Horsforth, Leeds.

An avid fan of Sound of Music, since first watching it on television in the 1970s, I have all the audio and visual memorabilia - the vinyl album, CDs, DVD and the latest London cast recording on CD. I've even portrayed Capt. von-Trapp in an amateur production. So, when I heard that Connie Fisher would be touring with SoM, I couldn't wait to book tickets for a performance at the Bradford Alhambra theatre. As a special treat for my Mum, as this year marks both her 40th wedding anniversary and 45 years since she first saw SoM on a West End stage, I was sure to book tickets for one of Connie's performances.

Friday, September 4th, came, the curtain went up, the orchestra played and onto the stage stepped Connie Fisher. For two and a half hours we were completely captivated by her. In the words of Andrew LLoyd Webber, Connie is "the girl who climbs a tree and scrapes her knee." From beginning to end, Connie was Maria.

By far the finest moment has to be when Margaret Preece sang Climb Ev'ry Mountain. It was the highlight of the night. Her voice is outstanding and, to my delight, afterwards, I was pleasantly surprised to read she had been the singing voice of Minnie Driver in The Phantom of the Opera.

All the children and supporting cast were wonderful, and the young man playing Rolf had a crystal clear pure singing voice. I was only disappointed by two things in the whole show: 1. The German characters had English accents. And 2. Where Maria is gaining her confidence to go to the von-Trapp house, in 'I have confidence in me', she seemed to wander aimlessly, not quite knowing how to react to the props or the size of the performance area.

Overall, this was a most wonderful experience and one both myself and my Mum will remember for a very long time. Thank you to all the production staff, crew and cast for a very enjoyable evening.
John M Jackson

I saw the Thursday matinee performance of The Sound of Music at the Alhambra in Bradford on 3 September 2009. Once over the 'is it Connie or isn't it?' (it wasn't, it was Kirsty), I worked hard to get over my disappointment and was soon absorbed by the captivating performances delivered by absolutely everyone. I was moved to tears twice and totally blown away in one of those marvelous live performance moments when the lead nun sang. Her voice was by far the best and totally amazing. She clearly loved being on stage and enjoyed her encore applause too! I would still liked to have seen Connie Fisher and was admittedly disappointed but Kirsty was truelly brilliant - she sounded just like Julie Andrews and had me thinking she might be Connie for a few scenes at the beginning! I did think the bedroom thunder scene would have benefitted from a huge double bed and the song as per the film - 'These are a few of my favourite things' - as when children are scared it's such a good song to sing - and I didn't feel that the Lonely Goatherd worked in its place. However, it my be the film that strayed from the original theatre script, or artistic license...and who am I to criticise Lloyd Webber?! Well done to everyone who gave it their all - including the orchestra and conductor who were also faultless. A superb piece of entertainment all round.
Sarah M, Otley

Myself and my eleven year old daughter went to see The Sound of Music in Cardiff on Tuesday, 18th August 2009, and I am so glad that we did.

It may have been a long journey from where we live in North Wales, but it was so very worth it, and I would do it again in the blink of an eye.

The entire cast were amazing, in particular though, Michael Praed as Captain Von Trapp, who not not only looked every inch the Captain , but played him to perfection too - left you in no doubt that here was a man that you wouldn't want to upset, and yet Mr Praed played him in such a way that you could just see that there was another side to this man - a chink in his armour if you will. not to mention how wonderful Michael's singing was - especially his rendition of Edelweiss. then of course there's Kirsty Malpass who played Maria - she was tremendous -gave a wonderful performance and has an incredible singing voice - as does Margaret Preece whose voice is certainly a powerful instrument - I don't think that I have ever heard anyone sing like that live ever - astounding. The children were all exceptional - gave a lovely performance one and all.

My daughter, who was really enjoying the evening, sang along with Favourite things, and of course Do Rai Me - could barely hear her she was singing so so softly - but I could just, and she loved Maria's wedding dress - jaw dropped and eyes widened in delight at such a gown.

I understand that SOM is coming to Llandudno in May 2010 which is simply brilliant, we don't get alot of things up here like Sound of Music and certainly not that's in such easy travelling distance - so we will most definitely be going to see this again.

I have to say, that I would recommend this to anyone - it really is a wonderful production, and if you do go , you will be so glad that you took the chance to go and see it, and you will come away with many wonderful memories - ones that you will want to treasure for a lifetime.
SB, Gwyendd. N Wales

I Saw the Sound Of Music at the beginning of the uk tour in Cardiff on 30th july 2009.
What a show. Connie was fantastic and the children looked like they were a real family.Michael Praed was an excellent Captain Von Trapp and commanded the family like an officer.
Despite a slight curtain malfunction which was handled with professionalism by the cast, the show was fantastic.I dont think ive ever heard a more emotive rendition of Climb Every Mountain as sung at the end of the show by Margaret Preece and the choir of nuns.The emotion of the the song plus the backdrop of the Von Trapp family ascending the mountain was deservedly awarded a standing ovation.

Its a show you could easily watch time and time again.
DW Bristol

The reviews below all refer to the production at The London Palladium, London, which completed its run in February 2009.

What a night! I went to see the show on the closing night, 21st February with my husband and three young daughters. Seeing the show inspired them to start acting and singing. It touched my heart. They now want to audition for the tour! The children were incredible and so cute (immensley talented aswell, especially Liesl. A lovely voice and so pretty). All of them. I will miss the show dearly, it's an old favourite. Simon was such a fantastic Captain, meant for the part. And Summer, well, she was just unexplainable!! (In a fantastic way) All the cast did an excellent job, they should be truly proud. A trult wonderful and memorable show. Thank you everyone, for a wonderful evening. I hope they do more in the West End, I would definetley go and see any show they were in! I would love to see the children grow up on stage, they deserve to. I hope they all live happy lives. :)

Thanks again | x
Much Love and Kisses
Cindy Rapp and Co.XXX

My friend and I went to see The Sound of Music matinee show on (Wednesday 5th November). At first I was disappointed that Summer Strallen wasn't performing but that thought soon disappeared from my head the second Zoe Harrison opened her mouth! She was truly amazing & a very believeable Maria, why she is an understudy & not one of themain characters full time is beyond me! We also waited at the stage door after the show and she was lovely to everyone waiting & signed all of our programmes. I will definately look out for her in the West End in the future. Well done Zoe.
Lydia, Peterborough

Saw the show on (6th November). Really enjoyed it. Thought Simon was brilliant. Along with the rest of the cast. :) Definitely reccomend the show to anyone.
Lorna Anderson

Me and my Mum went to see the show on the evening of (27th October). Thoroughly enjoyed the show. There seems to be some criticism of Simon's voice, although his singing voice is not as powerful as his acting voice (as he's had alot less practise in singing) we felt that he really conveyed emotion in the songs that he performed, this was particularly true when singing with the children. Gemma Baird was excellent and had a great voice for the part. Well done to everyone!!
Tash, Devon

Me, my mum, mother in law and friend went to watch The Sound of Music on (Tuesday 19th August) evening performance. It is the first time at the theatre and I loved the experience. Summer (Maria) is fantastic. The whole show is worth every penny and would recommend it to anyone.
Danielle Lancashire

We saw the show on the evening of (22nd October 2008).

We enjoyed the show very much, particularly the performance of Amanda Goldthorpe-Hall as the Mother Abbess. Her voice outshone everyone on the night and brought out goose pimple during her rendition of 'The Hills Are Alive'. She received a much louder ovation than Summer at the end of the show!

Generally the cast sang excellently, with the exception of Simon MacCorkindale who was quite poor. He is evidently not a singer and has been miscast. He is undoubtably an excellent actor as testified by his recent tour with Sleuth, but out of his depth here.

Summer Strallen was good although I do regret not seeing Connie, as I believe from seeing TV footage, she has a stronger voice and was more suited to the role. Summer strongly reminded me of Bonnie Langford (her Aunt) both in looks and mannerisms. As someone else mentioned, she played Maria slightly kooky and her falling in love with Simon was not convincing at all. I did not believe in these characters. The children were all very good though.

Even with these issues, the show was very enjoyable with the scenery and scene transitions being excellent.
Chris, Ickenham

My sister, niece and I enjoyed a fabulous evening's entertainment last night (16th September)at the Palladium. What a moving start to the show as the nuns walked down the theatre aisles singing in perfect harmony. The scene where Georg Von Trapp introduced us to his family with the effective use of his Bosun's whistle had us in fits of laughter and was played beautifully by all. The scenery changes were superb throughout. What a lovely evening - thank you. Special mentions must go to Margaret Preece - what a stunning voice and also to Simon MacCorkindale for his fantastic and believable performance.
Stephanie, Jersey

I saw the evening show on (2nd October 08). The Sound of Music is my all time favourite film and the show certainly did live up to my expectations. However, whilst Summer (Maria) does have a beautiful voice, she sang with no emotion and was far too wooden. The opening "The Hills are Alive" was almost boring and I found myself wondering if I had wasted my money. She also turned Maria into a bit of a "goof" and I thought she would be much better suited to the comedy stage. In comparison, the Mother Abbess almost moved me to tears during "Climb Every Mountain" and she certainly made the show. I would have liked more focus on the beautiful Edelweiss also.

The scenery was brilliantly done and the orchestra were wonderful.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I would go again, but only with a different Maria.


Tanya Reed, London

Saw the show with the family on (27th August). Great show, staging was superb. Simon can act, but his singing was not great! out of tune and rather flat. Rest of the show was superb.
LC Ashton

Evening performance on( 19th September 2008)

This was my fourth visit to the show and as usual, I (almost) thoroughly enjoyed it! I was so looking forward to seeing Margaret Preece again (I have become a big of hers now) and she has performed up to her usual, fantastic standard and she has again reduced me to tears during her delivery of "Climb every Mountain". A triple "Bravo" to Margaret! Summer was as cheerful and pleasant as ever and wonderful to watch, although her voice was a bit too low (or was it the microphones?), specially during "The Sound of Music". The "new" children were all wonderful and sang and acted beautifully, and I particularly loved Eloise Cartwright, she was ever so sweet!!! The greatest disappointment I regret to say was Simon McCorkindale as Captain von Trapp. Although I did not mind his acting and his speaking voice, his singing was simply unacceptable for a show of this magnitude. "Edelweiss" and "Something good" are essential parts of the show, and if they are not delivered in the same perfect and emotional way all other songs are sung, the whole show just doesn't really reveal its full power. I am sorry to say but I wonder which criteria were used to cast him for this important role? But thanks very much to the whole team for a wonderful evening!

I was very sad to learn that the show will be closing down in February 2009, but it is certain that I will go and see it as often as possible until the final curtain!!!
Juergen Koenig, Cheltenham

Myself and my daughter came to see last night performance, And thoroughly enjoyed the show really good.
k barnes milton keynes

Went to see the show with family (27th August). Show was great, staging, scene changes and music was superb. Only thing which let it down was Simon Maccorkindales dreadful singing! Hope it gets better as he gets familiar with the part.
Lesley from Wirral

3rd September - Matinee.

Was treated to the matinee on Saturday 30th August. I wasn't sure what to expect being a big fan of the film but was pleaseantly surprised.Loved the comedy side of Summer Strallen as Maria and the excellent voice of Margaret Preece as the Mother Abbess. The only negative side of the show was Simon McCorkindale's singing voice, he is a lovely actor but his voice just isn't strong enough for the part. Surely a big production like ths would warrant a better singer, even though the part of Captain Von Trapp in the original film wasn't that strong, at least it was bearable.
Tracy Goacher, Barry

Went to see the matinee on Sat 30th August, the show was fabulous. Especially loved Margaret Preece as Mother Abbess and Summer Strachen was great. The only negative was Simon McCorkindale, he is a wonderful actor but his voice was just not strong enough for singing and this was a disappointment.
Santajack

I went to see the Sound of Music on Tuesday 26/08/08 with my husband and two children and very much enjoyed it until Captian Von Trapp started to sing. His pitching was flat and he appeared to be in some difficulty. Whilst I appreciate this was only his second performance in the role it marred the whole performance for us. It was so poor that there was embarrased laughter from audeince members in our part of the auditorium in anticipation of him singing the next time. As you will appreciate this didn't assist in setting the mood at the point in the story when the whole family were perfoming at the festival which would have otherwise been very moving. In contrast the children were all wonderful, as was Maria and the nuns. I do hope that this is sorted in order that the show can again received the sort of reviews that the rest of the cast and the set deserve.
Diana Boyles, Eastleigh.

Me and my Mum came to see The sound of music while on holiday in London on Wednesday 20th August for the evening performance and really enjoyed it.  It is the second time that we have seen this show the first time being when Connie Fisher was playing Maria, we enjoyed it very much that time and just as much this time and we thought that Summer Strallen was also a very good Maria we also thought that Margaret Preece was fantastic and had a very powerful voice.  After the show we got Summer's autograph and all in all we had a lovely time while at The sound of music and would recommend going to see it.
Elizabeth and Becky, Wales.

I saw the show on wed. 27th august and i thought it was brilliant though Simon MacCorkindale's singing voice was not up to the standard i expected from such a successful show. Next time someone who is capable of a solo should be cast!!!!
holly symmonz

Wed.20th Aug 2.30pm
Just home from the most amazing performance from Aoife Mulholland and the rest of the cast of The Sound of Music! We knew this was Aoife's final curtain call and thought it would be special, but everyone put on a fantastic show and a standing ovation at the end was the very least she deserved. My daughter and I feel she has made the part her own over the past 18months and has developed into a wonderfully warm, funny and delightful Maria, whom we could watch again and again. In fact we just didn't want the show to end!! The tears were flowing both on and off the stage by the final curtain call.... What a talent....She will be sorely missed! Good luck in whatever you do next Aoife!
Kate & Victoria Morton, Shropshire

We saw the show over the weekend and it was absolutely magnificent. The movie was brilliant and is an age old classic so it was hard to imagine how the play would be able to live up to it. The production values were perfect. The cast was amazing. We had a great time.
Dean Kolesar

Wednesday the 13th August 2008, 19:00 show.
I went to watch the show last night- what a wonderful two and a bit hours!! I loved every minute of it and often found myself singing along. I friend that has just arrived in London came with and he was thoroughly impressed. He could not have had a better introduction to West End theatre!!

Summer and the rest of the cast were spell bounding! I was transported to Austria with them! I had such a wonderful night, Thank-you to everyone involved, you should all be very proud! I have such fond memories of the film, singing the songs with my Nanna and Mom and you brought them all back.

Thank-you for a might of magic, I will definitely be back!
Erin Goodwin

I saw the matinee on Wed 6th Aug. Having seen it several times, with the original cast - Connie Fisher, Alexander Hanson & Lesley Garratt I have loved it each time. I have always raved about it to friends and encouraged people to see it. When I went along today - I felt a little embarrased. The show has lost it's sparkle. The kids were great but I found Aofie performance to be flat. I found a lot of the jokes were missed and that her dynamic character didn't fill the theatre as Maria should. I did not believe Simon as the Captain. There was no charisma or chemistry between Maria and the Captain.

Sorry to be negative, but I guess when you have seen perfection with Connie, Alexander and Lesley - nothing will ever beat it!
Natalie Segal

Saw matinee show 21 June - in an Aoife Mulholland week.

Everything about the show was massively impressive from the scener, to the musicians, to the smallest Von Trapp.The cast were convincing. The children were excellent. Margaret Preece was simply stunning.

It was all anchored and held together by a really great performance from Aoife Mulholland. She acts brilliantly as she moves from Maria in trouble with the Mother Abbess, to Maria the unsure governess, to Maria discovering love. The performance moves seamlessly along - never looking like Julie Andrews but offering a convincing, consistent and nuanced Maria who looks right for the character and each stage of her journey. Aoife is equally good at comedy, drama, fun and cake eating. In between nailing the role and the all important chemistry with the other characters, she sings beautifully too.

Frankly, I think Aoife and Margaret are pretty definitive in their roles - they were so good in fact that I have booked to see them again.
John, Canterbury

My name is Lisa Cooke and I have been to see the sound of music twice, first on the 29th of May
and the other on the 28th of June.

What can I say.... It was AMAZING!!!! This production of the sound of music is the best in history. Summer Strallen is a brilliant Maria and the Best Maria the world has ever seen! I was so lucky to get a photo with Summer and an autograph at the stage door. I would like to take this opportunity to thank summer for being so kind in letting me have a photo with her when she seemed in a hurry to get home. I am truly grateful and I will treasure the photo and autograph for the rest of my life. I love it so much!!!!!!
Lisa Cooke

I saw "The Sound Of Music" on 27th May
and it was fantastic. The best bit was meeting Amy Lennox (Liesl) before the show and then getting a wave from her at the end. Well done to Summer Strallen as well for giving a great performance. I was really looking forward to seeing this show and when I was there I didn't regret it.

Monday 16th June 2008
My son bought the tickets for his Mother,Sister and himself. Having seen one of the first productions then later the film, and having heard all the music and even bought a t-shirt I was not expecting any surprises on this very ordinary of Monday evenings. Imagine my surprise to find that the simple,clever scenery and the quality of the singing transported us all into a magical evening of enchantment which we all three ENJOYED ONCE MORE! I should like to give special praise to Summer Strallen who sang and acted with such sweetness. Together with Margaret Preece (Mother Abyess) Who's voice was so powerful it rose above the Orchestra and was never drowned out by it she was superb. well done to everyone in that production along with the casting department who really got it righ for this West-End show.
regards shirleybridges and family

Phenomenal! Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's is a Musical Genius. What a wonderful, enjoyable Show.

Margaret Preece - What a Superstar - What a voice !! This Lady is truly World Class.

Many Congratulations to all who gave such a wonderful performance.

Looking forward to more Fantastic productions by Sir A.L.W.

Party of 8 who saw the show: Friday 6th June 2008.
Theoni. Cambridge

03.06.2008

I live in Germany but was at home in Ireland for my Summer holidays when the process of "Solving a problem like Maria" began. My sisters and I, who have like most people loved the musical since childhood, and my German husband who didn't know the Sound of Music at all, were instantly captivated by the program. After a week or two of the quest to find Maria, we promised ourselves that if Connie was the victor, we would all fly to London to see the show. A year later we kept that promise. To date we have been to see the show three times and it is wonderful. We've seen both Aoife Mulholland and Connie Fisher play Maria, and the captain played by Christopher Dickens, Simon Burke and Lynden Edwards. As it turned out, I found Aoife to be my absolute favourite Maria. She excelled in every aspect of the role. I'm afraid that Simon for me has ended up bottom of the Captain Von Trapp pile while Lynden is on the top. Edwards might be a little bit too young for the role, but he was the only captain whose face showed the exact moment when he realised that he was in love with Maria. The chemistry between Aoife and Lynden was captivating, and those voices....

The entire production was first class, to all the cast, the various conductors, the orchestra and the team who created such an amazing set, fantastic lighting, wonderful costumes and wigs, I thank you very sincerely. If I had one critisism it would be to question the non exsistance of an encore??? I think the audience would really appreciate one.

I have watched the video clip of Summer Strallen on your website, and I don't think that I'll be buying a plane ticket just yet, or a theatre ticket for that matter, sorry! I genuinely feel that it would have been better to contract Aoife full time for the role, but I also have to say that I'm grateful that she did get the chance to prove her enormous talent in the West End.

Finally, a huge thank you also to Sir Andrew for bringing probably one of the most loved musicals back to the stage. I loved it!
Siobhan, Germany

May 27th

Claudia 7th birthday treat
We were avid fans of the programme Maria voted for Connie and we were bowled over by this performance we saw only last night. Summer was funny, charming, vunerable and sparkling we laughed, cried, sang and we left the theatre in the best mood ever. Each member of the cast looked delighted to be on stage and it was truley infectious to anyone sitting in the audiance. The Nuns were beautiful and Mother superior thrilling. We are avid theatre goers and true SOM fans and we LOVED this perfoemce. congratualitons to the cast for a very memorable 7th birthday and a very happy mum.
Claire and Claudia Silvester, age 7 and 4, Kent

Saturday 24th May 19:30 performance
Having somehow amazingly never seen the film I was looking forward very much to seeing the stage show. I went with a group of friends as a birthday treat for two of them and the show was the best present we could have given them. It was absolutely superb! Aoife Mulholland gave a five star performance as Maria. In my opinion it is easy to over act the part of Maria making it a little unbelievable, almost pantomine like but Aoife was absolutely perfect. The children were all brilliant too. Amy Lennox as Liesl was superb and the pick of the rest of the children has to be Cecilia Dunhill as Brigitta. This is a fantastic must see show. It is a feel good factor show that leaves you happy and wanting more!
John Bracey, Northwood, Middlesex

i went to see the sound of music on the 20th february 2008. i loved the show but thaught that compared to the other shows that ive seen the ending seemed a bit dull and boaring.
Tarquina

13th May 2008
I have eagerly looked forward to seeing this production, I came away feeling slightly disappointed. Summer was very believable as Maria, but I am afraid Simon in my opinion, and that of my companions, was he not really right for the role and never seemed to convince us that he could control a family or a battleship. But perhaps we are being unfair and he had an off night. The Children were a delight and lit up the stage every time they appeared. Margaret Preece has a wonderful voice and gave a very controlled performance. The rest of the cast were good in parts. Maybe we should choose a performance when there has not been a matinee. The dancing was a bit tired and not very well choreographed ,Was it really Arlene Philips work?
I have never felt moved to write a reveiw before but this once wonderful show left me wanting...sorry
Pauline Muncer

I saw The Sound Of Music at the London Palladium on Saturday 3rd May 2008. Summer Strallen was the most amazing Maria I could ever imagine! I followed her character on the TV show Hollyoaks and couldn’t wait to see the show. She has a beautiful voice and made Maria her own through her wonderful acting. The rest of the cast were all fantastic and Margaret Preece’s version of Climb Evr’y Mountain was beautiful. The set was stunning and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole show. I will definitely be back to see it again while Summer is still in the role of Maria. Well done everybody!
Becky, Marlow Bucks.

I was there on the night of 31st March 2008 ant the shaw we saw with my friend was amazing! Being Belgians tourists, it was our first musical in London and we definitely were blown away by the performance. What a great cast! Especially Mother Superior and Maria (a wonderful Aoiffe Mulholland)! We were also impressed by the orchestra and the sets. thank you! Tell leverybody to go and see this Musical!
Raphael & Sebastien

28 March 2008
Saw the show this evening and was disappointed at the lack of 'wow' factor. The star of the show for me was Mother Superior, what a fab voice, it brought a lump to my throat. But the other two stars Simon and Summer were unconvincing and lacked charisma. Summer's voice is very pleasant but didn't hit the spot for me. Perhaps I was expecting too much. I will admit when my husband bought the tickets last year, we expected to see Connie, perhaps this is why I found the show disappointing.
Good luck to the cast for the future.
Regards Jan and Alan

I went to see The Sound of Music on 20th March 08 and I have to say that it was amazing! I wasn't sure on how Summer Strallen was going to be compared to Connie but i was amazed at her performance! Everyone in the cast was fantastic, especially the Mother Abbess, I think it was Margaret Preece but i'm not sure. Brilliant! I would reccommend this show to anyone and everyone and I can't wait to go and see it again!
Chris, Middlesex

20th March 2008
Saw the show today - went with a crowd of friends, not really that bothered about who was playing what part eg Connie, Summer, understudy etc However, after watching it was really blown away by Aoiffe Mulholland (the nearest thing to Julie Andrews ever!) She was lovely. Woman who played Mother Superior had the most beautiful voice. Please get a new Captain Von Trapp - even Christopher Plummer wasn't that wooden!
Jackie Collins

I saw the show last night with friends (14 Mar 08). It was everything I had hoped it would be. The set was good with the scenery moving effortlessly throughout and the sound quality was quite excellent. The kids were great and the cast as a whole gave a hugely impressive performance. I found myself crying in all the right places and laughing along with the audience.
If I have any mild criticisms, I thought Maria (Summer Strallen) was a little too bold and not naive enough (she also spoke too fast early in the performance and gabbled a bit) and the orchestra was at times a little overpowering. My impression of the Baroness was that she was not senior (old?) enough for the part and looked too much like Maria. Wow! Sounds as though I hated it...I didn't!
All in all, a superb show that I will definitely be taking other friends to see.
Ian Peaple, Reading, Berks

5th March 2008
Went to see this yesterday and was blown away.
I thought it was a superb performance - Maria is excellent and the rest of the cast including the youngsters were amazing too! I thought it was a very good show and the stage was like an illusion! In the opening scene with Maria on the mountain I actually thought it was a video it was that good!
That was the very first time I have been to see anything at theatre and have come out beaming!
Rosie Hayward

I booked tickets for the show last December as a Christmas present for my wife. When booking for the 29th February I didn't realise that Connie Fisher was finishing her contract just six days earlier. On realising the news, I sat with some apprehension to watch what would be Summer Strallen's fourth outing as Maria. I can honestly say that within seconds we were blown away by her voice and her ability to capture the audience's focus. She was comical, endearing, enchanting and most of all convincing in the part.
I only ever saw Connie Fisher on TV and she had the help of eight million prime time Saturday night televison viewers to speed her into the limelight. The experiment with Hollyoaks has been a good one for both Summer Strallen and Andrew Lloyd Webber, but it could never reach the same number of television viewers as his original Maria search. I just hope Summer and the show doesn't suffer now Connie has left the show. This show is far from being finished. Summer deserves the role and will be a fantastic success on the basis of the perfomance we witnessed. I wish her luck and would urge everyone to go and see it.
Andy, South Yorskhire

I was sitting at work Thursday 28 Feb and decided that I didn't fancy another dreary night of staying in and so decided I would a see a show in the west end, choosing The Sound Of Music. Well, what a fantastic choice I made!! The show is absolutely magnificent, everything from the cast right the way through to the stage scenery. Then of course you have Summer Strallen. Having watched her performances in Hollyoaks right through to then end, I was intrigued to see her as Maria and I have to say she was absolutely marvellous, and as for the Von Trapp children, adorable! I really did have a fantastic evening.
I have friend due back from America in a month who is desperate to see this show, so I'll be back to see it all over again and I can't wait
Stuart, Essex

I was at Connie's last performance as Maria on Saturday 23rd February and it was absolutely SPECTACULAR! I had originally seen it ten days after it had first opened in November 2006, but I don't remember it being anywhere near as good as it was on Saturday. I was there with a friend, my mum and my brother and we laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed it!!! It was so special to be there for Connie's final performance and the whole experience was so amazing!! Made even more special by the appearance of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber at the end to mark Connie's last performance! It won't be the same without her- she IS Maria! Well done to the whole cast, especially Connie and the children who were there for the last time!!
Becky, Bucks

Saturday 23rd February 2008
From the moment that Connie Fisher stepped on the BBC set to start her quest for the role of Maria, there was no other that could fill that role.
My mother and I watched the show with excitement every time Connie was voted through and for her to win was a dream.
I took my 84 year old mother to see the show in January 2007 and Connie was so kind and gave my mum her autograph.
I have seen the show 10 times and each time I have been lucky enough to see Connie. Each show has got better and better.
I was so excited when I got my ticket to see Connie on her last night "What a performance" just out of this world and it was so kind of Andrew Lloyd Webber to give her his script
Each member of the cast were brilliant and the music and songs out of the world.
What a wonderful show and let it run for many more performances
Pauline, Reading, Berkshire

The Sound of Music form a dutch point of view
Months ago we booked a trip to London to see The Sound of Music with my daugther) for her graduation'. Earlier we saw on the BBC Connie Fisher win the show 'How do you solve a problem like Maria?' and we didn't know that she dis her last show on Saterday the 23th. A little bit of disappointment for a short while ... but the show must go on. Then we saw we get Aoife as Maria. In the BBC-show one of our favorites.
After the show? OUR FAVORITE!!!! What a performane, magnificent, touching, emotional, just GREAT. We've said to eachother: 'What performance must Connie have made IF she does this better'.
We didn't regret our visit at all especcially when we met in the underground on Tuesday (recovering from Les Miserables), 'Liesl' and have a chat for 4 stations. That was also superbe.
Thank you for the show,
Paul&Kirsten Klerks, The Netherlands

I went to see The Sound of Music on Friday 15th February 2007 and it was FANTASTIC! I've loved the film since I was a little girl and it was a big ambition for me to see the stage show. I was NOT disappointed. Connie Fisher was A-MA-ZING as Maria! I can't remember the name of the actress who played the Mother Abbess, but she was incredible too. When she sang 'Climb Every Mountain', I cried! I got to meet her after the show, but the icing on the cake was MEETING Connie, getting her autograph and having my photo taken with her. She's lovely and she made sure she had time for everyone who wanted to speak to her. I don't think I'll come down off the little pink fluffy cloud I'm sitting on for a long long time!
Jo O'Dell - Bedford

Wednesday 13th February 2008.
My 7 year old daughter and I travelled from West Yorkshire on Wednesday to see Connie perform in the evening performance of the Sound of Music. What an absolute treat it was! Connie and indeed the whole cast were faultless, the set breathtaking and the staff at the theatre most friendly and helpful. Our only slight disappointment was not being able to purchase a "do re mi" t-shirt in age 8-10, testament to the popularity of this magnificent show. We do however return home with memories of one of the best nights out we have ever experienced. Thank you so much.
Jane Thompson.

Having watched the film everyday between the ages of 3 and 7, I saw The Sound of Music for the third time last night (13th February 08). I have to say that each time I go, Connie seems to become the role of Maria more and more. She is just such a rare talent and she is truly inspirational. I have enjoyed watching her so much. As a loyal voter for Connie last year in the television show ‘How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria’, I knew that she had enormous talent and quality, but it isn’t until you see her on stage that her real persona and character really show. The children were equally convincing and the Captain was absolutely brilliant. It was so lovely to meet them all afterwards and I will really cherish the memories of such a magnificent show with such an outstanding cast. I’m just planning my 4th trip before 23rd February - it will be such a shame when Connie and Aoife leave. Thank you for such an incredible production.
Lydia, London

We saw the show on Saturday, 5 January & it’s sooooooo fanastic! A really fresh production, i completely forgot that I’d seen the film 8 million times (and as a child saw the original stage production at the Palace Theatre in 1961) Connie is the most believable Maria & all the cast were just faultless. The staging is absolutely terrific. Can’t wait to see it again!
Kate, Cambridge

i went to see the show last night 3rd January and it was brilliant. was really pleased that connie was in it and her opening song gave me goose bumps as too did the magaret preece her voice was amazing! the children were very good and there was lots to laugh at. the set was brilliant and breathtaking at times. i have watched the film sooo many times and loved seeing it on stage. im heavily pregnant and was very pleased that the baby kicked the whole way through edelweiss a fan already!
toni

Monday 14th January
I did not know what to expect when I sat down in the audience with my Mum at the London Palladium; I had been bought tickets as a Birthday treat, and what a treat it was! From the first moment of deep drama, right through the scary 'Nazi concert' to the uplifting end I was ethralled. And I have the wonderful cast and production team to thank for it (and my Mum for buying the tickets). And I must say, what a revelation Aoife Mulholland was, I can not express in words the huge talent of this girl, unearthed just 18 months ago. Margaret Preece as Mother Abbess and Aoife as Maria sparkled together and the Maria - Captain relationship really worked and was it was easy to see why they fell in love. However, I must also say all of the cast were superb, the children were adorable and the music score wonderful. I had one of the best birthday treats I can ever remember. Thank you so much
Emma from london.

Saturday 29th December
Since watching "How to Solve a Problem Like Maria" I have been waiting to see the new lease of life that Andrew Lloyd Webber would bring to The Sound Of Music and what a lease of life that was. Absolutely Amazing!! Connie Fisher was the perfect Maria, captivating, so so talented and someone you really could believe would climb a tree and scrap her knee. People were worried about the concept of a leading lady being cast in the way she was but I certainly think that paid off as she had me hooked from the moment she walked on stage. Her relationship with the children, falling in love with the Captain without realising - just perfect!
Margaret Preece as Mother Abbess - her voice was outstanding, when she sang "Climb Every Mountain" - what a voice, brilliant. Simon Burke was a fantastic Captain, when he finally allowed music back into his home and his children back into his heart it was a heart wrenching moment played so well by the talented cast. And talking of talented, those children, they were fantastic little actors, when I think of what would happen if I tried to get my four year old nephew to sing on cue and only say what he's supposed to, well it wouldn't happen but each of those children was absolutley captivating and I'm sure will go far in the future.
The whole thing was outstanding. I hope the real Von Trapps have seen the production and embraced it, what a wonderful way to bring their story to a whole new generation. The whole cast and behind the scenes team deserve a great big pat on the back and so much more!! Well done everyone! Now if only I could see the show again before 23rd February!!
Lorna Carnegie

Wednesday 26th December
Wow, Wow, Wow!!!! that pretty much sums up the whole show! It was amazing. Connie was fabulous, as were all the kids - especailly Gretl (Mia Jenkins at the performance i saw). How talented for such a little girl - her solos in lonely goatherd and so long, farewell sounded so professional!
Was slightly disappointed not to see Margaret Preece, the understudy was on for Mother Abbess, but she was still very good, and you couldn't tell she was the understudy, other than the fact it was announced at the beginning of the show!
Hoping to go again, want to see Aoife, was very particular about seeing Connie, as i had followed and supported her all the way through her audition process, but i would love to see the show again, and would go for Aoife next time just to see the difference - although i'm sure she is great too!
Well done to the whole cast! you were FAB!!!
Lizzie, Oxfordshire

Monday 10th December
I have just returned home after watching Aoife Mulholland as Maria in 'The Sound Of Music' and felt I must write to congratulate her and the cast for a wonderful night. The first few lines from Aoife's at the start as she sings the 'Hills are Alive' were simply magical and electrical. Her voice was honest, genuine, heartfelt and passionate, and her acting with the children and the captain was captivating and believable all through the show. Margret Preece's voice was stunning and I felt the comedic chemistry between her and Aoife was excellent. I also have to say Simon Burke did a fantastic job of melting from the 'ice man' Captain to a romantic in love once again! However, may favourite bits were when Aoife as Maria takes a huge bite of cake and is caught by Frau Schmidt and Aoife singing with the children, 'The Lonely Goatherd'. I would once again like to thank the whole cast for a great performance and particularly to the talented Aoife Mulholland.
Joe, London, UK

Saturday 8th December
Caught the Saturday night showing after waiting for a year. Well worth the wait. The show was just superb. Breathtaking, best theatre performance I've ever seen. Connie Fisher just shone in the role, it makes you wonder how one thought that anyone else had a look in. The children were fabulous, you can't afford to not see this production.
Mike

I saw the show on Saturday December 1st and it was fantastic, by far the best show i have ever seen. From start to finish it was entertaining.
The cast were excellent, the actors playing the children were great they played the parts really well and are fantastic little actors. I thought Mother Abbas had the most amazing voice. But my favorite was Connie Fisher. I was looking forward to watching her in the show and i wasn't disapointed she was first class, amazing singer and actress and brought great humour to the part. She is a great match for the part and lives up to the Maria from the film.
The whole show was amazing all round and i will be going to watch it again and again.
Thank you to everyone who made it fantastic and definatley worth the trip from Manchester.
Joanne Power, Manchester

went to the show in london thursday 29th november- TOTALLY AMAZED! the cast,music and stage simply best ever ! we had top seats in middle but i dont think it would matter where you were as the atmosphere in the palladium was simply unforgettable,Connie plays an amazing maria and all the cast so good and timed to perfection. you will laugth,cry and sing and this really is a show to see.from start to finish truely an amazing experience and as others have said "when you come out suddenly the world seems a brighter place ! " a must see and many thanks to all involved in such a memorable performance .
chris and lisa , andover hampshire

Wednesday 21st November
Just got home from seeing the show and I have to say, I thought it was fantastic! It made me feel so sentimental, lets face it, I have had The Sound of Music as part of my life all of my life. I was not dissapointed seeing the show and I thought Aoife Mulholland gave a captivating performance. For me she was the perfect Maria. The children were amazing and when Margaret hit that note in Climb Every Mountain (you know the one!), I got goosepimples! The set was incredible and well done to those who work backstage to make it all run together so seamlessly. And I also just want to say that there are a few scenes in the show that are different from the film but this for me made it more satisfying. I absolutely loved every minute of it!
Rebecca, Caterham Surrey

We saw the show on Saturday 17th November, the matinee performance. I had booked the tickets as a birthday treat for my Wife, and what a treat!! A truly outstanding experience, even for a slightly reluctant theatre goer like me. We had a marvelous time and found the entire cast and production faultless, it was 2 1/2 hours that allowed us to escape from the hum drum, and the only complaint we had was that it ever ended!! Can I add that Aoife was a superb Maria, I am sure Connie is brilliant but we felt nobody could have performed the role better than what we saw. This experience has made us both want to see more shows, so what a great advert for British theatre. Well done all, and a very special congratulations and thank you to Aoife.
Mike and Gill, Maidstone, Kent

Several Visits!
I have been fortunate enough to see the show 8 times!! I have seen it with the understudy (when Connie was off sick), Alfoe and of course Connie.
I have to say all are fantastic and all have their own "Style", but I have to say Connie does it for me, from that first moment when Connie appears - WOW!!!!
The sparkle is the same as when I saw the show on the opening night, and I am hoping to be there for Connie's final performance in February, I may try and fit one more in as well!!!!!!
Lesley Garret was amazing as Mother Abess, but WOW how amazing is Margaret as well?!!!!!
I loved Alexander as the Captain - (very pleasant for the female eye!!!) I look forward to seeing the new Captain!!
Please pass on my congratulations to all concerned!!
Di (Mrs Di Frisby and Family!!)

Saturday 3 November - matinee
This was our second time seeing the show. Whilst we had enjoyed the performance we saw in February of this year when under studies played both Maria and Mother Abbot (?), we were keen to see the show with Connie playing Maria as we had 'lived' the television series from which she was selected.
Wow, on Saturday the story came alive, with such freshness and enthuisiasm in all the performances. We had wondered if the show would have lost some of it's 'sparkle' as it had been running for a year - none of it! The children were wonderful and there was real chemistry between Maria and the Captain. I don't think it could have been more moving, entertaining and gripping even on its first night. Thank you for proving there is still magic!
Beverley, South West London

Thursday, November 1
What a fantastic show!! The sets were a show in themselves even without the wonderful Connie - what an absolute diamond you have found!!! All the stars had such chemistry and the children were an absolute delight!
A truly wonderful show for the whole family. We most defiantly enjoyed every minute of it!
Well done to you all.
Jayne Cooper and family

I saw 'The Sound of Music in October over the holidays for my birthday. It was the best gift ever. I loved the show, Connie Fisher was amazing. She was so right for the part, I'm so glad I voted for her. All the children were great, and they never seemed nervous which was very impressive! Captain Von Trapp was excellent. I thought he portrayed the character brilliantly. The sets were great. I wasn't sure how they would capture the essence of the film on stage but they did the film proud. I have loved 'The Sound of Music' film since I was little and now I love the show. I t was a great night out and I would see it again.
Lara Scott, Sheffield, UK

Wednesday October 31st (matinee)
The Sound of Music is my childhood film, since then I love it so much. Last week I was in London and happened to know that The Sound of Music is on Palladium. I was so excited to go for the show. The show was excellent, fantastic and nothing could disappointed me. Aoife Mulholland was perfect of her performance. However, for a musical to be successful one, team cooperation is very important and I think the team did it perfectlly well. I'll probably go for the show again with my husband.
Once again, bravo to everyone from the show.
Astor, Hong Kong

Wednesday October 31st (matinee)
I didn't think the stage performance of The Sound of Music could be so much better than the film - but it is! Aoife Mulholland gave a truely magical, captivating performance. The sets, cast and grew were brilliant. It was the perfect show that entralled me and left me feeling in such high spirits. Looking forward to seeing the show again.
Denise

Thursday 25th October
Connie was fantastic as maria, she was everything we hoped she`d be and more. She shone through the whole performance and afterwards wen we went to the stage door to get autographs, she was so kind and sweet and she seemed surprised that people were waiting to see her. she even posed for photographs for us. The young ones who played the chilren were brilliant and what a voice the nuns had. Overall the whole show was tremendous, the sets were fabulous and everyone in it, or involved with it are doing a great job and made the niht very memorable and special.
Lisa

Friday 26th October 2007 Matinee Performance
It is not very often that I feel compelled to write to anyone but after the performance on Friday I felt I had to!!
Having seen an advert in a national newspaper promoting the extra show during half term week I was delighted to be able to buy three tickets in the stalls in row N for myself, husband and nine year old daughter.
I must admit that when I found out that Connie was not performing I thought I was going to be disappointed. Please pass on my apologies to Aoife for having that thought because from the moment the curtain went up I was totally captivated. She has definitely won me over and I feel privileged to have seen her. She was brilliant from start to finish. Her voice was crystal clear and there wasn’t even a hint of her Irish accent. The emotion she put into the performance was so amazing that I was crying with her! Even my husband had to reach for his hankie!
The set was out of this world - I have never seen anything quite like it before. The change overs were perfection.
You must be very proud of the whole production team especially those behind the scenes who we do not see.
Please pass on my thanks to everyone for a thoroughly spectacular afternoons entertainment.
Helen, Poole, Dorset

Tuesday 23rd October
Attended with my 10yr old daughter and friend long time fans of the sound of music we weren't disappointed. The whole show was fantastic cast, sets and music we were all totally absorbed thanks for a great evening.
Ruth, Lynne and Alice Cleethorpes

Monday 22nd October
It was simply the best theatre production we have ever seen ! Well done to all involved.A totally professional performance of the highest quality.
Particular praise for Aoife Mulholland who was fantastic.
The best night out we've had in years !!
Rob

Monday 22nd October
When we arrived at the Palladium and discovered Connie would not be performing that night me, my friend and Mum were really disappointed as we had waited a long time to see the show.
However I had to say that Aoife was fantastic throughout the performance. The stage seemed to light up every time she was on it, her singing was brilliant and at times you would think Julie Andrews was on the stage. Aoife made you want to go back and see her perform time and time again.
We are going to book up again to hope and see Connie perform before she leaves in February
Well done Aoife I hope you have the chance to play Maria alot more, and I am sure you will go far.
Congratulations once again to all the cast on a fantastic show.
Zaira, Gillingham, Kent

I saw a very disappointing S.O.M back in March, neither Connie Fisher or Leslie Garrett were in the show and so I sent my views to you, I thought that I would not recieve a reply but you very kindly sent me two more tickets for 20 October, this I attended yesterday and although Connie was off ill again, I got to see Oeife Mulholland and thought she was excellent, I thoroughly enjoyed the show, there were several changes in the cast that I think were needed from the previous show and the replacements obviously worked because I left feeling totally happy and satisfied, once again, Thank You.
Maria

Wednesday 17th October
A truly wonderful evening which exceeded my expectations by far. Everything from the sets through to the individual performances was of the highest quality. There is no doubt that this wonderful love story continues to strike all the right chords and I must confess that I found it difficult to hold back the tears on a number of occasions (in fact I failed dismally).
It would be churlish to highlight any particular moments albeit Connie Fisher brings a sense of absolute radiance throughout.
I would recommend this magnificent production to anyone. It stands as a beacon for all that is good about entertainment.
Guy

Saturday 13 October 2007, matinee
My husband and I have just returned home to Wales after seeing the show this afternoon. From the moment of the final number I have been desperate to get home to write to someone about the show. I can’t tell you what a wonderful time we have had. Like a large number of people, we watched the TV programme “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” and we were delighted when Connie won. So in 2007 when I am celebrating my 50th birthday and our 30th wedding anniversary, we thought it would be good to go to London to see the show. A nice autumn day out we thought.
Well we weren’t disappointed – a “nice autumn day out” – just doesn’t cut it. We have had a wonderful time. The show was absolutely wonderful. Whilst we were watching it, two words kept coming to mind – phenomenal and delightful. I can’t think of any other way of putting it. It really is an outstanding show. Everything is just great – the stage sets, the cast, the orchestra, all the unseen people who are vital to producing such a success.
As for Connie? Well, our view is that she really is the nation’s darling and we wish her every success.
During the closing number, I felt a great surge of national pride in all of them. To say we were uplifted is an understatement. I wish we could see it again.
Thank you to everyone for bringing so much pleasure to so many people. Best wishes for your future.
Don and Geraldine, Wales

Saturday 6th October
I still can’t believe what I have seen on stage last night: the performance of “The Sound of Music” was outstanding and the best I have seen in a long time! From the very beginning to the very end I was mesmerized and captured by each individuals performance and was totally impressed with the stage setting, which fitted totally the songs and the necessary atmosphere. I particularly liked the “earth disc”, which returned so dramatically in the finale. The complete cast was fantastic and performed in such a mood that I thought were doing this especially for us/me. Connie Fisher was enchanting and Simon Burke a dashing Captain, and the children were all lovely and sang and acted extremely well!! My favourite though was Margaret Preece as the Mother Abbess, and I will never ever forget how she delivered “Climb every Mountain”. Obviously this is one of the finest songs ever written for a musical, but to hear it performed in this way and live on stage was breathtaking and wonderful! BRAVO Margaret!!!
Congratulations to a fantastic performance and thank you all for a wonderful night and I will most definitely come back to see the show again – as soon as possible!
Juergen, Cheltenham

Saturday 29th September
Have just returned from seeing this magnificent tear jerking performance - Connie is simply amazing If you closed your eyes & listened to her sing you would swear it was Julie Andrews on the stage. If you are thinking of booking tickets to see this show don't hesitate for a moment. From the moment the show started to the final song of Climb every mountain I had tears in my eyes & completely lost it at the end & sobbed.
Everything from the scenery to the precise timings of the entire cast was faultless...............I would love to come & see the show again.
What a night to remember! I still have the songs buzzing round on my head.
Well done to everyone involved with this magnificent piece of theatre production.
Jason

Saturday 15th September
I love to watch musicals but this was by far the best! with all the songs which were sung with great feeling and meaning. I have just book to come and watch it again on Saturday 23rd Febuary which is Connies last night and i am trying to perswade my teachers at school do run a school trip to see it because we are doing it as our school production. so i will have watched it 3 times. All the cast members were brillient but i must say that Connie was outstanding. i would definitely tell people to watch it because it is amazing. Congradulations to all the cast and memebers of the team who helped to create this brillient musical and i hope to watch it again in the future.
Eleanor, Windsor (17 yrs)

Saturday 8th September
Have been meaning to write since I treated a friend from Geneva to the matinee on Saturday 8 September so your website has given me the impetus to do so!
Just to say that the whole show was a delight but it was Margaret Preece who reduced us to tears at the end of the first act; not only does she have the most wonderfu voice but her acting rang so true, with such a dignified, commanding stage presence. Climb Every Mountain was nothing short of stunning!! Bravo! Bravissimo!!
I shall return.....
Andree Perry

I went to the show on Saturday 1st Sept. I had not watched the TV programme but the film is my all time favourite and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was absolutely wonderful!! Connie's performance lit up the stage and her energy is amazing. Her voice is remarkable too, so clear and brilliant, such a star!! Margaret Preece as the Mother Abess was also truly awesome. They both sing with such emotion and feeling you really feel a part of the whole production. If you can get a ticket, don't hesitate for a second - you won't regret it.
There was a collection afterwards, but we managed to get outside without passing anyone, so we went back in and the cast were very friendly. We got to meet Margaret Preece and she was lovely, giving autographs and waiting for a photo she was so patient when my friends camera flash wouldn't work! Would love to buy a CD of hers but can't find one! We also bumped into the Capt - Alexander Hanson - outside and he was friendly too! All in all an unforgettable evening, my daughter will remember her very first west end show for ever!!
Rachael and Jane from Bristol.

Tuesday 21st August
Me and my mum came to see the sound of music on Tuesday 21st August at the evening performance while we were on holiday in London, and thought that the whole show was absolutely fantastic. The London Palladium was really nice and grand and we had great seats in the middle of the second row on the Royal circle and couldn't have had a better view. From the moment the show started until the very end we thought that the whole cast were very good and did a great job especially the children and Maria who gave their all. We loved the songs and thought that the set was brilliant. Before coming I expected the show to be very good but it was even better than I had imagined and we really enjoyed it. After the show had finished we were lucky enough to see some of the cast coming out of the stage door and got some autographs from the mother abbess, captain georg von trapp and Maria (Connie Fisher) who all took their time to sign autographs especially Connie who stayed to have her photo taken with people. All in all it was a brilliant show and a great night out a real highlight in our trip to London and a must see.
Elizabeth and Becky, Wales.

I went to see the evening performance on Saturday the 4th of August 2007, and I have to say that it was the best 18th birthday present I could have asked for! I loved every minute of it- and the scene with Maria lying on the mountainside was just like a dream. I'd wanted to see Connie Fisher ever since she won the TV show, and I wasn't disappointed. She lit up the stage, and is (and always will be) THE best ever Maria! Credit must also go to Margaret Preece, who made an excellent Mother Abbess, and of course all the children.
Connie Maria, Yorkshire.