Connie Fisher in
The Sound of Music
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Connie Fisher, star of the West End’s
The Sound of Music, has been forced to take a hiatus from the show due to a vocal injury. She will be covered in the lead role of Maria von Trapp by Sophie Bould, for two weeks as of 5 March.
“Through a desire not to let the public down Connie Fisher sang through a heavy cold which has caused a vocal injury,” a statement from the show’s producers has said. “The vocal cords are a muscle like any other and, as in the sporting world, when injured they require complete rest to recover. On her doctor’s advice Connie has to take two weeks off from the show starting last night, in order to allow the injury time to repair. We are very lucky in that, in Connie’s absence, the role of Maria will be covered by Sophie Bould.”
Fisher has proved a popular choice with both audiences and critics in the role since winning the part in last year’s reality TV contest, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? Mark Shenton wrote in his Theatre.com review: "Let’s answer the question on everyone’s mind: Does Connie Fisher, who has duly been dubbed 'the people’s Maria,' live up to the tale of luck, pluck and determination that brought her here? After all the hype (and hopes) of the programme that has turned hers into the most anticipated West End debut in recent history, it’s a relief to report that she brings a freshness, vitality and immediacy to a show that has long been known as stale from over-familiarity. But more than that, she effortlessly transcends the smartly crafted marketing gimmick of the casting process that brought her here to deliver a performance that isn’t just that of a well-meaning amateur promoted to the front ranks but comes from an expertly honed and self-assured professional."
The Sound of Music, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, premiered on Broadway in 1959. It is based on the story of the Austrian von Trapp family during the Second World War, and is best known from its 1966 film version starring Julie Andrews. The present London production opened at the London Palladium on 3 November last year.
The show’s producers, Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian, have stated that anyone wishing to exchange their tickets for later dates should get in touch with the agency / box office from which they bought their tickets. They have said that while it may not be possible to re-seat customers in the near future—it may be as late as November—ticket holders are advised that they will be re-seated as soon as is possible. To accommodate the situation, Fisher has now agreed to stay with the show through November, but it should be noted that many of the remaining original cast may have left by then. Fisher’s enforced absence also coincides, unfortunately, with the period 7-16 March when Lesley Garret will be absent from the show, as she will be chairing Fame Academy for Comic Relief.
If you purchased your ticket through Theatre.com, please e-mail customerservice@theatre.com .We regret that we cannot offer refunds or exchanges to customers who have already visited the show this week.