The Sound of Music, Curve Theatre Leicester Review
Written by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Curve Theatre brings the hills alive once more with their delightful production of The Sound of Music. Directed by Nikolai Foster, the Leicester venue has devoted its festive season to delivering outstanding revivals like My Fair Lady and Evita over the last couple of years. This time, they turn their attention to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s magnificent The Sound of Music, a timeless classic that has enchanted audiences across generations since 1965. Marking its 60th anniversary this year, the film, led by the unforgettable Julie Andrews, offers a perfect opportunity to revisit this enchanting tale of loss, belief, and the resilience of those who escape persecution in pursuit of freedom.
Michael Taylor returns to Curve with one of his finest set designs yet. The expansive, flexible stage is transformed into a breathtaking Austrian Alpine landscape, complete with sweeping mountain projections and a beautifully crafted hillside in the foreground — even featuring a water element that adds an extra touch of magic, particularly in Maria’s opening number of the title song “The Sound of Music”. There are some fantastic additions of real trees, a giant lancet window (which I would have loved to inject some colour into the wedding scene), and a staircase which adds more dynamic to this production, which moves with haste. The projection also serves as a vehicle to remind audiences of the time and place, historically, in which The Sound of Music is set.
Ebony Molina’s choreography, alongside her associate Dale White, is a delight. It supports the Von Trapp children’s numbers massively, but in areas could definitely benefit from being less sloppy. However, with that said, in the ball scene, the rising tensions in the relationship between the Austrians and Germans are so beautifully choreographed.
Leading lady Molly Lynch and leading man David Seadon-Young return following their unforgettable performances in last year’s My Fair Lady, making them slowly reveal themselves as household names at the Leicester theatre. Molly’s Maria is warm and reassuring, and there’s no doubt that her rendition of “The Sound of Music” is goosebump-worthy; her natural maternal instinct shines through in every interaction with the children. This reviewer was slightly conflicted by the accent, however, which didn’t always remain consistent. David’s Captain von Trapp had a natural ability to remain grounded, and his rendition of “Edelweiss” is utterly breathtaking. His relationship with Lynch’s character and his transformation in character feel instinctive rather than a development, which was disappointing.
The Von Trapp children, played in this evening’s performance by Leo Hollingsworth, Matilda Hennessy, Theodore Traat, Isla Granville, Georgia Riga and Mimi-Kimara Clarson, were joyfully energetic in their roles. There was a lot to enjoy about their performances in “Do-Re-Mi” and “The Lonely Goatherd”, but the sound levels meant that we really didn’t get to see them shine as much as we’d hoped to vocally!
The top performances of the night were by Mother Abbess and the Sisters. Joanna Riding was outstanding as the Mother Abbess, while Leonie Spilsbury, Keanna Bloomfield, and Megan Ellis delivered a hilarious rendition of “Maria,” making it a highlight worth the ticket price within the first 15 minutes of the show. Faye Brookes was another delight. After seeing her in a recent production of Chicago and having the opportunity to interview her, it was a joy to see her take the reins of Elsa Schraeder. She delivered a pure comedic masterclass with this character that made a huge impact on the audience.
This presentation of The Sound of Music at Curve Theatre, Leicester honours the timeless and irresistible charm of this musical in a style that different generations of theatregoers will certainly enjoy. However, with some tightening up in areas, I truly believe it would hit the mountain top!
Plays until 17 January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★
