Lucy O Byrne takes to the stage of Cardiff’s New Theatre this week in a new production of The Sound of Music starring as the iconic role of Maria Von Trapp. Following on from the first part of our interview with her, Lucy today discusses her role in The Sound of Music.
A classically trained singer and former runner-up of the TV show, The Voice, Lucy O Byrne has gained rave reviews for her role of Maria in The Sound of Music, the greatest coming from The Scotsman, hailing her as “quite possibly the best Maria since Julie Andrews herself”.
“I don’t read reviews and I actually haven’t read that one,” responds Lucy when the review quote is mentioned, “I feel with reviews if you believe the good ones you have to believe the bad ones as well. But I’ll take that, I can’t ignore that statement has been made and it makes me smile every time I hear it!”
Lucy O’Byrne as Maria on stage in the UK Tour of Bill Kenwright’s production of The Sound of Music
Lucy, whose other major stage role was Fantine in Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables, enthusiasm for her Sound of Music role is as refreshing as it is enthusiastic.
“In Les Mis I was dead within the first 25 minutes,” laughs Lucy, “but The Sound of Music is non-stop. I only come off the stage to change my clothes! I’m so excited about the show because it’s such a big part of my life”
“The Sound of Music has everything, the love story, the coming of age story, the finding yourself story. It’s also funny, people forget it’s an amazing script. it’s one of the most beautiful stories ever written, the music is stunning we have an incredible orchestra it’s so uplifting!
Joining Lucy as Captain Von Trapp is former EastEnders actor and West End star Neil McDermott as well as Welsh actress Megan Llewellyn as the Mother Abbess.
“Megan is worth the ticket price alone! She’s stunning!” says Lucy “We’ve also got our amazing Von Trapp children who are just adorable!”
The Sound of Music will be Lucy’s first long-stop in the Welsh Capital.
“I’m really excited to come to Cardiff, I’ve only been once before and that was for a stopover for a day. Megan is going to show us around, I’ve only heard amazing things about Cardiff, so I can’t wait actually!”
- Produced by Bill Kenwright, The Sound of Music plays at Cardiff’s New Theatre from 13 – 17 February. For full details and to book tickets, visit newtheatrecardiff.co.uk or call the Box Office on (029) 2087 8889.