Arran is alive with the sound of music
Everyone knows The Sound of Music, which is why is takes a good deal of guts and determination to put it on the stage.
But Lamlash Drama Club and friends’ production of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic had the packed audiences lapping up their telling of the much-loved tale over three days of performances at the Lamlash community theatre last week.
Enhanced by live music from musical director James O’Neil and musicians Alice Maxwell and guests, the singing of Kelly Henbery, who played Maria, Frances Coyle, who played Mother Abbess, and that of the Arran Soul Choir as the nuns, elevated the production far beyond their means and resources and gave the production a professional feel.
Produced and directed by Maureen Smith, and based on the real life story of the Von Trapp family singers, the musical and heart-warming story was masterfully acted with a cast of talented actors, well-known on Arran, but too numerous to mention each individual
Leading role players however included Mark Nelson whose children Luke and Natasha excelled in their roles along with the remainder of the Von Trapp children David Simpkin as Max Detweiler and Heather Johnston accurately portraying Elsa Schraeder.
With smile-inducing performances by the nuns’ chorus and Iona Summer, who played Liesl, the production’s use of accurate and fitting costumes add- ed to the quality of the show. As did the set design which, while minimal in nature in certain scenes, was carefully selected and helped to transport the audience to pre-Second World War Austria, particularly the full-size paintings of the Alps and the Nonnberg Abbey.
Set over 16 scenes in two acts, the cast, whose singing and acting abilities, along with what must of been a huge undertaking by all of the background players, ensured that this performance was one that will be remembered for a long time to come. And just as heart-warming as the story told, if the performances of the young Von Trapp actors are anything to go by, the next generation of young thespians on Arran will ensure a continuation of plays and productions of an equally high calibre.