HEREFORD'S Courtyard Theatre will be alive to the sound of music next month when it holds auditions for a production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit musical

Due to be staged in September, the run will mark the return of the theatre's former artistic director, Johnathan Stone.

To most people, The Sound of Music is a film but it actually started out as a stage production, which opened in Broadway in 1959.

Mr Stone, who is returning to The Courtyard especially to direct the show, is looking forward to directing a community company in what he expects to be one of the "most exciting projects to date".

"It will be an immense challenge to bring this much-loved piece to the stage as I really want to bring back to audiences the sense of drama and excitement that exists in this story," he added.

"We will not reinvent the musical but approach it in a new way which will make people think." Mr Stone is now seeking local singers, dancers and actors for a variety of roles to work alongside a professional cast.

Ten boys and girls are needed for two teams of five as the Von Trapp children.

Available adult roles include nuns, Nazis and a variety of smaller speaking parts.

All applicants should be able to dance, sing and act confidently.

The auditions are due to be held on Thursday, April 8, at The Courtyard, and all hopefuls should turn up on the day in casual clothing.

Children should arrive at 1pm for auditions between 1 and 5pm while adults should arrive at 7pm.

Children should be between six and 15 with a maximum height of 5ft 6ins and girls should look between five and 15. Boys should appear to be 10 or 14, with unbroken voices.

The Sound of Music will run from September 2-25. Tickets are on sale now on 0870 1122330.