At Woodside Primary Academy, talented children and adults put on a spectacular immersive production of the classic musical
The curtains rise on a cloistered abbey in Austria, where Maria, a free-spirited postulant, struggles to conform to convent life. Her world quickly opens up as she is sent to be the governess for the seven unruly children of the widowed Captain von Trapp – and so begins a turbulent but ultimately heartwarming tale.
The immersive nature of the production brings each of the story’s distinct settings to life across different parts of the school – a classroom becomes a convent, the assembly hall a grand concert stage, and the staff room stands in for the Von Trapp’s family mansion.
As we move from one space to another between scenes, the action never pauses for us. At one moment, we pass a pair of nuns mid-prayer; later, we head toward a classroom transformed into an Austrian countryside scene. The promenade staging brings the audience directly into Maria’s world – we’re not just watching her journey, we’re taking it with her.
With more than ten performances over two days, the production involved over 100 local schoolchildren and adults, and crew members, all from Waltham Forest. Two rotating casts of leads made this ambitious show possible. The Walthamstow Community Production was led once again by husband and wife team Max and Ruth Peters, who were inspired by their own experiences of community theatre as kids.
Speaking about Walthamstow Community Production, Max said: “Our productions are really a labour of love. It’s amazing to see people of all ages working together to create something joyful and meaningful. Drama and music shouldn’t just be for those who can afford it – that’s why it’s so important to us that being part of this show is totally free.
You can see more photos from the Sound of Music on photographer Penny Dampier’s Instagram
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