‘The Sound of Music’
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, 6/6/2026
Stagecoach Performing Arts, Inverness, Principal and tutor, Amy Mullen
From the moment the Mother Abbess and the nuns sang the first song ‘Preludium’, the audience was captivated. The tears welled in my eyes at the clear perfect pitch and sheer beauty of the children’s voices. Mother Abbess was played by Katherine and the nuns were Beth, Lila and Alma. The absolute professionality of this production of ‘The Sound of Music’ was actually overwhelming. I couldn’t believe how excellent the actors were. Ranging in age from 4 -17, with forty-four children to direct on the stage, this was no mean feat to bring together. Every single child remembered their often extensive lines and needed no prompts. The songs were glorious, with complex harmonies, and the fast-paced choreography captivating the audience who enthusiastically joined in on the old favourite songs, something that did not seem to put the actors off at all. Each child sang and danced with such professional ease I forgot I was watching children and became thoroughly invested in the characters and the story.
Amy Mullen, the Stagecoach tutor, has a weekly performing arts school for children and teenagers aged 4-18 on Saturdays in Inverness. These dedicated and incredibly talented young people attend with a drive and commitment which is a credit both to them and Amy. She guides the children through singing - developing vocal techniques, rhythm and musical theatre performance, dancing-exploring movement, rhythm and different styles, and acting - with drama, storytelling and character exploration.
The hard work and dedication certainly paid off as I could not fault any one of the characters on stage. They were all clear, convincing and highly absorbing as their characters played out. Maria, with her kind and beautiful face, her strong and sweet voice as the Von Trapp children’s governess, was absolutely perfect. The children, played by Aliyanah, Anett, Willis, Katie, Eilidh and the two Ellas, were all funny, sweet and loveable, each playing their part word perfect and dancing so well. Not a beat was missed and the children playing their characters were obviously comfortable and enjoying performing. Captain Von Trapp, played by Summer, was a convincing strict father who softened with the love of Maria, and Max, played by Heidi, brought humour and the politics of the era into the story. This was entertaining and utterly convincing.
Of course the old favourites of ‘Do-re-mi’ (Doe a deer, a female deer) went down with full audience approval, many joining in. I had to stop myself as I am not anywhere near as good at singing as the cast were and I was enjoying their perfect crystal voices. Each performer played to the back row, and by the time the show came to an end, there was not a dry eye in the auditorium. A well- deserved standing ovation was given both at the matinee and the evenings’ performance. It was a long day for the children, but they all enjoyed and performed with outstanding ability. Many of them I am sure could easily find employment in the future in TV, film or theatre.
Stagecoach Inverness has been on the go for 18 years, providing children age 4-18 with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and life skills through singing, dancing and acting. Principal Amy Mullen began her Stagecoach career as a dance teacher before taking over as principal in 2008. Amy’s passion and dedication shine through the young performers who all clearly adore her and she brings out the absolute best in each child. The qualities of teamwork, perseverance, kindness and support are obvious throughout the production.
This was an outstanding show by a very talented group of young actors.