The Sound of Music - Altrincham Garrick

DIRECTOR Joe Meighan must have thought all his birthdays had come at once when he heard Natalie Hayes sing for the first time.

Hayes treats us to a flawless and engaging and highly likeable Maria in this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound of Music and she’s blessed with one of the purest voices I’ve ever heard in more than 30 years reviewing productions on the amateur stage.

There’s also an effortless chemistry between her and Steven Finney. Finney cuts a commanding figure - no pun intended - as the disarmingly decent Captain Von Trapp. He is a man of principle, a man brave enough not to cow tow to the Nazis as the evil regime encroaches further and further into his beloved Austria.

If the two leads are outstanding - Hayes is making her Garrick debut here - the Von Trapp children are a delight from start to finish, full of life, full of gentle mischief and full of love for their father.

I also liked Helen Swain as Baroness Elsa Schrader, Maria’s more worldly rival, initially at least, for the affections of Von Trapp.

The Sound of Music is a great way to introduce children to the theatre even though it’s set against the backdrop of a looming Second World War.

We also have Rodgers and Hammerstein’s wonderful score to enjoy, packed with musical delights like the rousing Climb Every Mountain to the soothing and sensual Edelweiss.

I also loved the playful So Long, Farwell perfectly sung by the Von Trapp children.

They don’t write them like this anymore - do not miss this dose of musical magic. It’s just what we need in these gloomy times.

Until October 30. The box offoce is on 0161 928 1677 or visit www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk

Star rating - *****