Choosing to take a trip down memory lane is always something to look forward to but when it reveals an entirely new look at an old favourite it becomes a really special occasion.
Peter Robinson achieved something wonderful for 30 fellow Molesiders when he arranged our August visit to the new Chichester Festival production of The Sound Of Music.
Thanks to plenty of generous car sharing Peter’s comprehensive joining instructions, aided by our various digital navigators and even the occasional map, we were all able to make reasonably light work of getting ourselves to the RV in good Probus time. Though the different routes we had each taken were certainly a topic of mildly competitive conversation over the delicious pre performance lunch we all enjoyed in Chichester’s Minerva Restaurant.
We all had memories of the times we’d enjoyed the Rogers and Hammerstein classic in the past but advance notices of this production had made us aware that we may be in for some surprises.
And so it was. On a warm summer’s afternoon we joined the full house in Chichester’s magnificently accommodating Festival Theatre and found ourselves uplifted by a very fresh take on a story and songbook familiar to all of us.
Many of us can think back to family Christmases when the 1965 film with Julie Andrews & Christopher Plummer was a central part of the festive TV schedule. Memories like that made for difficulties – your website reporter included – in holding back the tears during the 2023 presentation we enjoyed in Chichester.
The word on the street is that this new show is very likely to open in London before too long and then who knows how many other audiences will also get the chance to enjoy the great stage presentation that delighted us in Chichester in August.
Thank you Peter and Jill for all the hard work you did in making it possible for Moleside members to experience a wonderful theatrical revival.
For our reports on other recent Moleside Visits click TAGs below.