There are few musicals more universally loved than The Sound of Music so expectations for anyone brave enough to take on the classic tale are always high. Being a life-long fan of the film, I knew I'd be hard to please but nothing could have prepared me for The Wycombe Swan's sensational production!

All of the musical's treasured numbers are included in this production thanks to some clever re-writes which include Maria (Lucy O'Byrne) singing The Lonely Goatherd to the frightened children during a thunderstorm.

Lucy O'Byrne is utterly flawless as Maria. I caught my breath when she first danced onto the stage, hoping she would reach my high expectations but I never expected her to exceed them so spectacularly! She embraces all the wit, charm and innocence of the beloved character and sings one classic hit after another in a beautiful, angelic voice.

Jan Hartley delivers a stunning performance as Mother Abbess, leaving you gasping in awe as her operatic voice echoes across the theatre. Annie Holland is delightful as Liesl and works in perfect harmony with Kane Verrall's impressive performance as Rolf, the charming yet naive teenager torn between love and pressure to confirm to his country's new ideals. This sensitive subject matter is dealt with delicately, but never ignored. Whilst Maria and the children rejoice in a chorus of 'My Favourite Things' conversations about the advance of the Nazis are overheard, reminding the audience about this impending threat.

The only weak link is the chemistry between Lucy O'Byrne and Gray O'Brien. In order to include all the musical's many memorable moments, the blossoming romance between Maria and Captain Von Trapp, that was so endearing in the original tale, is given little room to breathe and we are expected to believe they are in love after a few brief exchanges.

But it is a shame to dwell on the play's rare failings when they are so miniscule in comparison to the production's many wonderful accomplishments. Each of the Captain's seven children display their talent wonderfully. Meanwhile designer Gary McCann deserves an ovation for his excellent work that transports the audience from the halls of the Abbey, to Von Trapp's mansion and the Austrian mountains.

Together with the enthusiastic audience I rose to my feet at the end of the performance and I have no doubt that you will too.

By Amy Horsfield