The Sound of Music, Birmingham Hippodrome, until Saturday August 21 It takes an exceptional talent to take on arguably Julie Andrews’ most iconic role and win a standing ovation but Connie Fisher’s dazzling performance as Maria in The Sound of Music deserves all the plaudits.

Fisher – who won the BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? – was born to play this role. Portraying just the right mix of feisty, impulsive, caring and comic character traits, Connie’s Maria is a dreamer who wants to fit in.

Proving to be an unconventional trainee nun at the convent, the problematic Maria is transferred to the Salzburg home of retired naval officer Captain Von Trapp to act as governess to his seven children. Maria brings chaos to the regimented house but her love of music awakens emotions buried after his wife’s death.

Their whirlwind romance becomes a typhoon here but the chemistry between Connie and Michael Praed, who plays the patriotic Captain, fizzes along nicely.

But the real spark comes from Connie’s rapport with the children – especially in Do-Re-Mi and The Lonely Goatherd. They are all a talented bunch but six-year-old Elise Blake who plays Gretl really has the ‘aah’ factor. Their version of So Long, Farewell is just as magical as the scene in the 1965 film.

Claire Fishenden as Liesl and Chris Barton (a finalist in the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do search for Joseph) make a sweet couple in Sixteen Going On Seventeen complete with dance sequence by Arlene Phillips.

Martin Callaghan as the Captain’s comical friend Max brings a larger-than-life quality to the role and Connie also displays a delightful gift for slapstick – particularly where she talks to the Captain’s love interest Baroness Schraeder with a mouthful of cake.

The costumes and scenery are stunning throughout but the beautifully lit wedding scene at the abbey and the Salzburg Festival performance complete with giant Nazi flag and armed stormtroopers menacingly standing guard really stand out.

The only minor disappointment was when the film’s pivotal moment, when Rolf betrays Liesl and her family, was reversed – allowing them a quicker escape to the sanctuary of Switzerland to the strains of Climb Ev’ry Mountain led by the awesome vocals of The Mother Abbess (Marilyn Hill Smith).

With a wonderful Rogers and Hammerstein score and top-notch acting and singing performances this show is sure to become one of your favourite things.

Tickets are £17 to £45. Performances at 7.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, Mondays at 7pm. Matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.

For further details or to book call 0844 338 5000, email tickets@birminghamhippodrome.com or visit birminghamhippodrome.com