As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of attending Cranleigh School’s production of The Sound of Music at the magnificent New Wimbledon Theatre on Friday 6th March 2026. Under the leadership of Director of Drama Emily McGhee, alongside the creative work of choreographer Laura French and music director Andrew Thomas, this ambitious production demonstrated impressive artistic vision and a strong collaborative partnership between the prep and senior schools.
The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria, a spirited young postulant who leaves the abbey to become governess to the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp. Through music, kindness and determination, she transforms the strict household into a home filled with joy and song. Set against the backdrop of pre-war Austria, the story blends humour, romance and courage as the von Trapp family ultimately choose freedom and unity in the face of growing political danger. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1959, won five Tonys in 1960 including Best Musical, and opened in the West End in 1961.
The professional setting of the New Wimbledon Theatre elevated the occasion from the outset, creating an atmosphere that felt both grand and celebratory. The performance formed part of Cranleigh School’s gala celebration marking its 160th anniversary, and the theatre buzzed with excitement as many senior school pupils had travelled to London to support their peers.
The set design was particularly impressive. Carefully crafted scenery allowed the stage to transform seamlessly between locations, transporting the audience from the quiet serenity of the abbey to the formal elegance of the von Trapp household. A sweeping marble staircase, designed by set designer Matt Reeves, provided a striking visual centrepiece.
Equally notable was the live orchestra positioned in the pit. Their performance added richness and depth to the production, bringing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic score vividly to life. It was especially encouraging to see so many young musicians performing to such a high standard, contributing greatly to the atmosphere and musical quality of the evening.
Zoe, in the role of Maria, delivered a vibrant and heartfelt performance. She captured Maria’s warmth, optimism and playful spirit with natural ease, bringing both emotional sincerity and vocal strength to the role. Her performance provided the emotional centre of the production, drawing the audience into Maria’s journey while also demonstrating an appealing sense of humour. Opposite her, Alfie portrayed Captain Georg von Trapp with maturity and quiet authority. Together, Zoe and Alfie created a convincing and engaging stage partnership that carried the narrative forward with confidence.
The strength of the production extended well beyond the principal roles. The supporting cast and ensemble delivered energetic and engaging performances throughout, contributing significantly to the vibrancy of the stage. Bella was particularly impressive as Mother Abbess, bringing poise and authority to the role. Her performance combined warmth with gravitas and resonated strongly with the audience. Riley also stood out as Franz, demonstrating sharp comic timing that added welcome moments of humour to the production. His performance brought lightness and character to several scenes and drew appreciative reactions from the audience.
The von Trapp children were a delight to watch and brought charm, energy and excellent ensemble work to the stage. Vivi, Tommy, Coco, Hugh, Tallulah, Molly and Connie worked together with impressive cohesion, creating a believable and engaging family dynamic that lay at the heart of the story. Their confidence and musicality shone throughout the production.
One of the highlights of the evening was the beautiful rendition of “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”. Charlie, as Rolf, and Vivi, as Liesl, performed the number with warmth and sincerity. Their voices blended effectively and their stage chemistry captured the youthful innocence and romance of the scene. At times, as they danced together, it seemed as though they were gliding effortlessly across the stage.
The choreography complemented the musical numbers well, enhancing ensemble scenes while maintaining the lively pace of the production. A particularly memorable moment came during the ball scene, where the cast performed a traditional Austrian-style dance. The sequence was elegantly staged, adding both authenticity and visual flair to the production. The costumes appeared particularly striking under the creative eye of costume designer Alexandra Kay.
Perhaps most impressive was the strong sense of identity and unity throughout the production. Every participant on stage, in the orchestra pit and behind the scenes played a role in bringing this cherished musical to life. Pupil Lily served as an excellent Deputy Stage Manager, and the technical and backstage teams worked seamlessly to ensure the production ran smoothly.
Cranleigh School’s The Sound of Music was a celebration of the school’s commitment to the performing arts and a showcase for the remarkable talent of its pupils both on and off stage. The impressive set design, excellent live orchestra, and assured performances from the cast combined to create a memorable theatrical experience, and a stunning celebration of the school’s anniversary. Productions such as this deserve to be celebrated and supported, as they provide pupils with invaluable opportunities to grow creatively, work collaboratively and share the joy of live performance. A resounding success that truly hit a high note – after such a masterful display, we can’t wait to see which mountain the school decides to tackle next.