SHAFTESBURY Arts Centre will be bursting with the sounds of Rodgers and Hammerstein as audiences are transported to the Austrian Alps in the febrile days before the outbreak of World War II and the immortal songs of The Sound of Music.

The centre’s Music and Drama Group has chosen the perennially popular musical for its summer production, on stage from 3rd to 12th July. Directed by mother-and-son team Amy Godfrey Arkle and Tom Arkle, the show has family at its heart. “It’s been really moving to see how many family connections have come together for this show,” says Amy. “We’ve got mother–daughter teams, father–daughter duos, and even a few whole households involved. It’s created a very real sense of closeness that really reflects the spirit of the von Trapp family.”

Most people know The Sound of Music from the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews as Maria, the postulant nun who couldn’t quite come to terms with the constraints of the Sisterhood. The stage version is a little different, with has a few additional songs and some additional dramatic moments.

The SAC production has a cast of more than 40 local performers, led by Georgina Cluett as Maria and Peter Morris as Captain von Trapp. The live music is under the direction of David Grierson.

From soaring nuns’ choruses to toe-tapping favourites like Do-Re-Mi and My Favourite Things, this is a production full of joy, resilience and heart. It is perfect for audiences of all ages.

Performances are from Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th and Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July, with Saturday matinees. For more details, visit the website, www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk or telephone 01747 854321.