THE HILLS ARE ALIVE IN 2018
WITH THE ‘5-STAR’ CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
THE VOICE FINALIST LUCY O’BYRNE RETURNS AS MARIA JOINED BY EASTENDERS & WEST END STAR
NEIL McDERMOTT AS CAPTAIN VON TRAPP
Bill Kenwright’s ‘Brilliant’ (The Mail) and ‘Stunning’ (The Echo) production of one of the greatest family musicals of all time, The Sound of Music, launches its 2018 tour around the UK on Tuesday 9 January at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley – following a Christmas season at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin from 19 December 2017.
Returning to the iconic role of Maria that has won her rave reviews previously is The Voice finalist Lucy O’Byrne. Joining Lucy as Captain Von Trapp is former EastEnders actor and West End star Neil McDermott. Neil is delighted to join this production of The Sound of Music having previously played the role of Rolf at the London Palladium.
Lucy O’Byrne who returns to the iconic role of Maria, 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, being hailed as “quite possibly the best Maria since Julie Andrews herself” (The Scotsman) . 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).
It all began with the story of the Trapp Family Singers and Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, which inspired Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse to create a Broadway musical in 1959.
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 unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and of course, the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’.
Produced by Bill Kenwright, directed by Martin Connor, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer, musical direction by David Steadman, this critically-acclaimed, wonderfully lavish staging of the classic and heart-warming musical is the perfect way to welcome in 2018.
Bill Kenwright presents a new production of
The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Suggested by ‘The Trapp Family Singers’ by Maria Augusta Trapp.
Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe www.rnh.com
THE SOUND OF MUSIC 2018 UK TOUR DATES
Tuesday 19 December – Saturday 6 January Box Office: 00353 1 677 7999
Dublin, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Website: bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 January Box Office: 020 3285 6000
Bromley, Churchill Theatre Website: churchilltheatre.co.uk
Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 January Box Office: 0844 871 3011
Birmingham, New Alexandra Theatre Website: atgtickets.com/Birmingham
Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 January Box Office: 0844 871 7648
Glasgow, Kings Theatre Website: atgtickets.com/Glasgow
Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 February Box Office: 024 7655 3055
Coventry, Belgrade Theatre Website: belgrade.co.uk
Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 February Box Office: 029 2087 8889
Cardiff, New Theatre Website: newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 February Box Office: 0844 871 3014
Edinburgh, Playhouse Website: atgtickets.com/Edinburgh
Tuesday 27 February – Saturday 3 March Box Office: 01892 530613
Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Website: assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 March Box Office: 023 9282 8282
Portsmouth, Kings Theatre Website: kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 March Box Office: 0844 871 3019
Manchester, Palace Theatre Website: atgtickets.com/manchester