A HISTORIC theatre group has announced the cast of its latest production.

Darlington Operatic Society, which is bringing The Sound of Music to the town’s Civic Theatre in April this year, has cast Beth Stobbart as Maria, the young nun sent to act as governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp, played by Julian Cound.

Society newcomer, Natasha Spence, has landed the role of Baroness Schraeder, while another new member, Rebecca Pedlow, faces the daunting task of singing the famous musical anthem, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ having been cast as Mother Abbess.

After two gruelling audition sessions, two sets of seven youngsters have been cast as the von Trapp children.

Society members Zoe Birkbeck and Chloe Dargue will share the role of the oldest child, Liesl, with the other children played by Ethan Hurworth, Jasper Bruce Wright, Anna Dias, Abbie Dodsworth, Toby Shellard, Mackenzie Williamson, Abigail Hand, Sophie Ruddick, Alice Harwood, Eleanor Grainger, Elise Wilcock and Madison Freya Parkinson.

Spokesman for the society, Mr Cound, said: “We are very excited to bring The Sound of Music to the Civic Theatre this year; the show is so iconic and is loved by everyone.

“A very strong cast has been put together and we have two sets of fantastic kids who are all so excited about performing on the Civic stage to sellout audiences.”

The Sound of Music runs from Wednesday, April 24 to Saturday, May 4 and tickets range from £10 to £19.

A one-off sing-along performance will also be staged on Friday, May 3 where the audience will be encouraged to dress up in The Sound of Music fancy dress and join in all their favourite songs on stage.

For tickets call 01325-244659 or visit darlingtonos.org.uk