THIS show needs no introduction, such has been its popularity since the 1965 film release, featuring Rodgers and Hammerstein’s score, never failing to provoke a wide range of emotions.

Ben Lister played safe when casting this, only his second show as director with the company, and in Alexandra Maclean he has a leading-lady of immense talent who didn’t disappoint, illuminating every scene.

Jonathan Redwood, opposite her as Von Trapp, did well, but the role offers little scope for displaying any real emotion.

Julie Brombley (Mother Abbess) and choreographer Matt Swann (Gruber) both deserve praise, as does musical director Valerie Tucker for a note-perfect orchestra.

Sound, lighting and costumes were top-notch and the children were near-faultless on opening-night, more than could be said, unfortunately, for the persistently clumsy and noisy scene-changes.

Despite this, the production will please the large audiences it will attract.

ALAN JOHNS