The Sound of Music | Short Review

Pitlochry Festival Theatre (PFT) – the Highland Perthshire playhouse that is known affectionately as the ‘theatre in the hills’ – has become a major producer of Musical Theatre under the successful, six-year directorship of Elizabeth Newman. It seems appropriate, therefore, that – as Newman departs for her new role as artistic director of Sheffield Theatres, and passes the leadership of PFT on to the acclaimed actor Alan Cumming – her parting shot should be a sure-footed production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound of Music.

The ever-impressive Kirsty Findlay (in the pivotal role of Maria Rainer) leads an excellent cast that includes a number of fine actor-musicians, and a team of brilliant, budding Musical Theatre stars playing the children of the Trapp family. Designer Ruari Murchison’s semi-abstract set (which is dominated by a large stage revolve) fits the play unevenly, but one has to admire a production that has the refugee Trapps played off by a wind trio comprising two Nazi Stormtroopers and a Catholic nun.

The Sound of Music runs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre until 22 December – for more information, visit pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

PRODUCTION CREDITS

The Sound of Music by Richard Rodgers (music), Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) and Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (book)

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Perthshire, Scotland – 20 November, 2024 (matinee)

Cast Kirsty Findlay, Ali Watt et al

Directed by Elizabeth Newman

You can read our full review in the January issue of Musicals magazine, on sale 20 December –consider subscribing today!