There is something about musical theatre performers that is awe-inspiring and frightening in equal measure. The singing, the dance routines, the constant pearly white smiles where do they get the energy? It is yet more surprising when the actors are all under 19, as with Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre.

In its production of The Sound of Music, the cast prove themselves more than ready for life in the West End, taking on all manner of yodelling, ballroom dancing and even Latin chanting with enthusiasm and dogged determination. Based on the real story of the Von Trapp family singers, the musical follows young nun Maria who, unsuited to religious life, is sent to become governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain Von Trapp, a retired naval officer. She befriends the children, teaches them to sing and frees them from the regimented routine their father has imposed. On realising she is in love with the captain, who is engaged to be married to Frau Schraeder, she flees back to the Abbey but later returns to the Von Trapps and marries him. Arriving back after their honeymoon, the pair discover the Nazis have invaded Austria and decide to escape the country with the children.

d=3,3,1Lindsay Dale (pictured) was excellent as free-spirited Maria and her beautiful voice was showcased to perfection in the demanding vocal work of the part. Anthony Hansen was also impressive as the brooding Captain von Trapp and gave a particularly confident, heartfelt performance of Edelweiss. Camille Robineau, as a langorous, calculating Elsa Schraeder, was something of a 1930s society girl pastiche, but then musicals are no place for subtlety.

The actors playing the seven Von Trapp children had a tough job, most of them being well out of childhood, but proved adept at convincing the audience otherwise. Bex Roberts was particularly commendable as an energetic Friedrich.