Critics hail new Maria and 'Sound of Music'

The new The Sound of Music - featuring How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria? winner Connie Fisher - has been given a warm reception by critics.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber production had been beset with problems of bad publicity and backstage nightmares throughout its development, but the pressure is off as its Wednesday night opening was hailed a blazing success.

Even former call centre worker Connie Fisher, who won over 6,000 other reality television hopefuls, was welcomed in most quarters. She had said Julie Andrews - Maria in the 1965 film - was her inspiration, but Daily Mail critic Quentin Letts wrote: "I reckon she runs Julie Andrews to a photo-finish."

Bill Hagerty, in The Sun, agreed. "Move over Julie Andrews, there’s a new Maria whirling away on the mountainside," he declared. "Despite the hype and embarrassing horrors of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Connie Fisher turns out to have been an inspired choice."

"Shed your cynicism," echoed The Guardian. "The problem of Maria is solved with charm." While the Independent added: "There was certainly a mountain to climb but this production scaled the summit."

Speaking at the after-show party, a delighted Fisher said: "The noise they made tonight was just wonderful. At least they didn't throw tomatoes at me." Lloyd Webber, relieved his risk had paid off, labelled Fisher "the most exciting actress that has come out of British musical theatre for many a long year".