THOSE whose spirits need lifting this week should look no further than The Sound of Music at Bournemouth Pavilion.

Complemented by a live orchestra, the familiar favourites of ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Every Mountain’, ‘My Favourite Things’, etc. are performed by a cast of impressive vocalists. It takes every ounce of restraint in your body not to sing along with them – but no doubt you will enjoy singing the highlights on the journey home.

As fans of the classic film version know, it is a tall order to match Julie Andrews’ Maria, but Lucy O’Byrne (a runner up in The Voice last year) very quickly wins the audience round with her warm and lively portrayal of the protagonist.

And it is impossible not to smile when the Von Trapp children first march on stage to the sound of their stern father’s whistle.

The set so realistically brings the opulence and romance of the von Trapp family home to the stage that it requires no real stretch of the imagination to lose yourself in the story.

This is especially true in the second act when we naturally become the audience at the Salzburg Festival, watching the Von Trapps perform against the ominous backdrop of Nazi banners.

As they finally manage to make their escape over the mountains to Switzerland, Mother Abbess’ rousing rendition of ‘Climb Every Mountain’ sweeps you along with them.