Review – The Sound of Music – Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells 

The Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society’s current production of The Sound of Music is an absolute delight from beginning to end — a heart-warming, beautifully staged, and musically rich interpretation of one of musical theatre’s most beloved classics. Performed at the Assembly Hall Theatre, this amateur production radiates professionalism, warmth, and a genuine love for the material that captivates the audience from the first notes of the “Preludium” to the final, triumphant, reprise of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”. 

At the heart of the production is a tremendous performance by Imogen Hart-Smith as Maria. From her first entrance, brimming with youthful energy and charm, she embodies the spirit of the character — joyful, impulsive, and endlessly compassionate. Her vocals are strong and clear, particularly in the title song and “My Favourite Things,” which she delivers with a sincerity that makes familiar lyrics feel fresh. She balances playful mischief with genuine emotional depth, making her journey from postulant to governess to mother entirely believable. 

Opposite her, Simon Kerr-Davis playing Captain von Trapp gives a commanding yet nuanced performance. His early stiffness contrasts perfectly with the warmth that gradually emerges as Maria and the children reawaken his sense of love and music. His rendition of “Edelweiss” is especially touching — simple, heartfelt, and deeply moving, creating one of the evening’s most poignant moments. 

The von Trapp children, always a highlight in any production of The Sound of Music, are an absolute joy. Each brings individual personality to their role, from the eldest, Liesl, whose sweet, slightly rebellious spirit shines through in her charming duet “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” to the youngest, Gretl, who wins over every heart in the theatre. The group harmonies in “Do-Re-Mi” and “The Lonely Goatherd” are tight and energetic, evidence of careful musical direction and enthusiastic rehearsal. 

TWODS has long been known for its attention to musical quality, and this production does not disappoint. Under the guidance of the musical director, Hatty Philips, the orchestra delivers a rich sound that supports the singers beautifully although occasionally overwhelming them. The familiar Rodgers and Hammerstein score is treated with respect and vitality, and the transitions between scenes, although quite lengthy, are smooth and confident. 

Visually, the production makes excellent use of the Assembly Hall stage. The set design is imaginative yet practical, with clever scene changes that transport the audience effortlessly from the abbey to the mountaintops, the von Trapp villa, and the concert hall. Lighting is sensitively handled — warm golds for the family’s scenes of unity and softer blues for moments of reflection. The costumes are equally impressive, from the nun’s habits to the crisp uniforms of the children and the elegant evening wear in the party scene. 

The ensemble work throughout the show is strong, with the nuns’ chorus providing some of the most beautiful harmonies of the evening, particularly in “Gaudeamus Domino” and “Confitemini Domino” Lelia Di Domenico, playing the Mother Abbess, delivers her songs with remarkable power and grace — her voice, in “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” soaring effortlessly through the theatre and earning one of the night’s loudest ovations. 

Alison Cripps (Director) and Elizabeth Witt (Choreographer) deserve special credit for crafting a production that feels both traditional and vibrant. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, and the movement across the stage is natural and purposeful. There is a clear understanding of the show’s emotional core — that at its heart, The Sound of Music is a story about courage, love, and the enduring power of family and faith. 

What makes TWODS’ production truly special is its sincerity. Every performer on that stage seems to be there because they genuinely love the story they are telling. The result is infectious joy — the kind that leaves audiences humming as they exit the theatre, uplifted and inspired. 

In short, TWODS deliver a Sound of Music that is everything a community theatre production should be: polished, passionate, and profoundly moving. A triumph for all involved. 

****   Four Stars