The Sound of Music

The 2019 presentation in the Methodist Church opened last night. An ambitious move by that fantastic woman, Nancy-May Goodwin, assisted this year by Annie Goodwin, as she worked so hard over the past weeks to direct fourteen young girls and two boys in the oh-so-memorable story of the Von Trapp Family.

The eldest actor was just 13!

So. Opening night...

And I sited myself at the rear of the church in order to get a fine overall view of the musical.

Doors opened at 1900 sharp and soon the benches had filled .

Opening sequences in the Abbey were superb with the magnificent choir chanting a Benedictus. Led by the playing of Naomi and Tobias Newman, their singing throughout the whole play was truly exemplary.

The actors played their parts wonderfully with much vigour and gave us a wonderful night of pleasure. The main leads of Maria (Gracie Reece-Gresty) and Captain Von Trapp (Beatrice Warburton) were word perfect throughout.

The children responded well to their father's disciplinary whistles !!! Cannot see that catching on in today's world (thank goodness – Ed.).

I had forgotten that the background to the story was the rise of the Nazis and this element was portrayed very cleverly by the director.

The whole evening came to a close far too soon and the thunderous applause that met all players as they took their bows was so very well deserved. A great night for all, and it must be remembered, too, that this was opening night! You would have thought they had been playing their part many nights already.

Congratulations to Nancy-May and all her cast of players.

Of all the diamonds that shine in the crown that is this Fantastic village of ours, Nancy-May shines ever so brightly.

Thank you all – I urge you to buy a ticket and see just what talent we have here in our community.

Ralph Warburton

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