The Sound of Music – Review – Leeds Grand Theatre
By Hazel Davis, July 2026
Maria Von Trapp is one of those parts audiences think they already know, which makes any new interpretation a scary thing to undertake. But, in Opera North’s revival production, the glorious Katie Bird leans into the challenge, offering a totally fresh take. Julie who?
Warning: the stage show isn’t really like the film, in case you didn’t know. This means a reshuffled score, with a few familiar songs absent, while others, less well-known to film audiences, woven into the story.
As with all of Opera North’s productions, the design does a lot of the heavy lifting, with lighting and staging creating a really strong sense of place from the initial scenes. Opening in a softly lit abbey, surrounded by candlelight and a chorus of nuns, it’s a contemplative and thoughtful show but one with plenty of joy too.
When Maria arrives, she does so with a real jolt of energy. Her interpretation leans into her awkwardness and warmth in a way that feels totally natural and unforced, making her easy to warm to, taking us on her journey from unsuitable nun to governess of seven children with ease.
The children themselves are totally standout. Their musicality is sharp, their movement confident and their timing impeccable. It’s an impressive polished ensemble effort that brings real humour and heart.
“Stupendous”
Edward Bennett’s Captain Von Trapp is a grounded counterpoint. Vocally, he doesn’t (and can’t) compete with Bird or the full chorus but he holds the role together beautifully, giving the character depth and credibility. Relationships across the entire cast feel genuine – particularly Liesl and Rolf. Katherine Broderick’s Mother Abbess is another highlight, delivering a performance that is both vocally commanding and emotionally resonant.
Despite its reputation as a feel-good musical, the production doesn’t gloss over its historical setting. The encroaching threat of Nazi Austria is handled with restraint but doesn’t hold back. Nazi soldiers stand in the auditorium and shine their torches into the audience, which is briefly a bit terrifying.
Musically, we’re all here for the stupendous orchestra and we’re delighted when a quartet of them appear on stage.
Thoughtful staging and lighting make the final moments contemplative, offering real release at the end without diminishing the joy we’re all here for. This is a gorgeous production which has something for all ages, with enough emotional depth and comedy moments for the whole family. PLEASE go and see this while you can.
The Sound of Music is at Leeds Grand Theatre until 1st August
inmages: Marc Brenner
Hazel Davis lives in West Yorkshire and has been a journalist for most of the UK national newspapers and many magazines, cutting her teeth on a classical music magazine. She’s the lead singer in a country band (Mustard County), plays trumpet in a wind band and big band and cornet in a brass band. When she’s not playing music or writing about it, she’s usually thinking about it.
