I'm slightly ashamed to say that not only have I not seen the stage version of 'The Sound Of Music'...but I've never seen the film either! 

Images include previous cast

In the case of may shows, ignorance of the original wouldn't be a huge talking point, but when you consider how iconic and prevalent the story is, it seems ludicrous that I wouldn't have popped it on at Christmas.

'The Sound of Music' is a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp. It's set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938, and tells the story of Maria herself, who takes a job as governess to a large family while she decides whether to become a nun. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. The Captain is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy, but he opposes the Nazis. He and Maria decide on a plan to flee Austria with the children.

From start to finish, the show is full of some of the most well loved songs in musical theatre history. From 'Edelweiss' to 'My Favorite Things' and 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain' to 'Do-Re-Mi'. The original Broadway production opened in 1959 and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, out of nine nominations. The first London production opened at the Palace Theatre in 1961.

It was, probably most famously, adapted as a film musical in 1965 starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, which won five Academy Awards.

From start to finish, this production is nothing short of magical. Many people's understanding of the show will likely have come from the film version and the current UK tour successfully satisfies both those with a longing for authentic Austrian mountains and anyone hoping it will pay homage to the stage original. The set is grand, lavish and so beautifully crafted you're instantly removed from your seat as the story unfolds. 

First discernible mention has to go to the young actors playing the seven children. The group we saw perform this evening were so professional and charismatic they were a sheer joy to watch - it's evident they're all destined for bigger things in years to come. Neil McDermott takes on the role of Captain Von Trapp and gives it just the right amount of 'controlling father' that it's believable without becoming a caricature. His stage presence is both commanding and reassuring - a clear safe pair of hands for the role.

Images include previous cast

Then we come to Lucy O'Byrne. Lucy has an incredible knack of channeling Julie Andrews in what was, simply, a stunning performance this evening. Her interpretation of Maria is so similar to Andrews', yet so strikingly individual, that it's a pleasure to watch. Her singing voice is perfectly suited to the character and you find yourself absorbed into the dialogue.

Granted, the score is exceptional, so to falter would be incredibly unfortunate, but there wasn't a 'bad' moment for O'Byrne in this evenings rendition; quite the opposite. A sheer joy to watch.

The Sound of Music runs at the New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 20th January and is an amazing start to a fantastic year of theatre at the venue. For more information, take a look online at atgtickets.com/birmingham.