A well executed and heartfelt revival, OXOPS captures the pure nostalgia and
vocal excellence of this beloved stage classic.
Oxford Operatic Society’s production of The Sound of Music at the New Theatre Oxford offers a polished and warmly received revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical. Traditional in its approach and clearly crafted with care, the production showcases a strong cast across generations and delivers a crowd-pleasing evening that honours the enduring appeal of the original stage and screen versions.
Set in Austria on the brink of political upheaval, The Sound of Music follows Maria, a young postulant whose free-spirited nature sets her apart from convent life, and her subsequent role as governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain von Trapp. As music and affection return to the household, the story unfolds into one of love, resistance, and moral courage in the face of rising Nazism. OXOPS’ production remains faithful to this familiar narrative, allowing its themes of family and integrity to speak clearly without modern reinterpretation.
At the centre of the production is a vibrant performance from Emily Booth as Maria. Booth captures the character’s exuberant optimism with confidence, sustaining Maria’s infectious energy throughout the show. Her vocals are consistently strong, lending warmth and clarity to well-known numbers and grounding Maria as both spirited and sincere. This assured portrayal provides the emotional backbone of the production.
A particular highlight comes from Sarah Leatherbarrow as Mother Abbess. Her performance of Climb Ev’ry Mountain stands out as one of the evening’s most effective moments, delivered with vocal strength and emotional control that held the audience’s attention. The sustained silence that followed spoke to the impact of the performance, before appreciative applause filled the auditorium.
Andy Blagrove offers a convincing Captain von Trapp, successfully charting the character’s journey from emotional restraint to openness. His interactions with the von Trapp children are especially effective, reinforcing the production’s emphasis on family unity. While certain intimate moments, most notably the dance between Maria and the Captain, were somewhat undermined by a visually crowded stage, Blagrove’s performance remained steady and credible throughout.
The von Trapp children themselves deserve praise, delivering strong vocals and engaging performances that brought charm and humour to the production. Their energy contributed significantly to the show’s warmth, and the ensemble work across the cast was cohesive and well-balanced.
Overall, this Sound of Music is an accomplished and affectionate production that understands the appeal of its source material. With weekend matinees already sold out and many standing ovations at the curtain call, this production demonstrates OXOPS’ ability to deliver a confident and well-crafted musical.