Pictures: Sell-out shows for Cookstown High School's 'The Sound of Music'

Cookstown High School has long since held a reputation for performing classic musicals and after six years it was fantastic to revive the tradition.

The tuneful, heartwarming story is based on the real-life story of the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world’s best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II.

Over the past few months students and staff had been busy rehearsing. Every spare moment during school and in the evenings, lines were being learned, music being played, and costumes being fitted. As the show grew closer, so did the excitement which had been building for the final few months. Over the course of three nights students performed to a sold-out Millar Hall.

The atmosphere was fantastic and friends and family members took their seats. It was also great to see some former students coming along to support the school. Some even shared their memories of taking part in previous shows when they were pupils! When the lights dimmed, and the band started playing, the audience were immediately transported to Austria.

Tea was served during the interval and some audience members were heard talking about watching the Oscar winning film every Christmas holiday. Others had the songs ‘Do, Re, Me’ and ‘My Favourite Things’ stuck in their heads. The audience were buzzing and some even joined in singing ‘The Sound of Music’ for the finale!

Many students had never performed on stage in their lives, and it was incredible to see students’ confidence and talents in both acting and singing come to light.

Emma Caskey, who played Maria, remarked: “Playing Maria has been a brilliant experience. I have loved every second since we started rehearsals in January. I love singing and it was fantastic being on stage with everyone!”

Captain Von Trapp, played by year 14 pupil, Timothy Clarke said: “It was exciting to be part of such an iconic show. It was a little nerve-wracking but I’ve been looking forward to it since we started rehearsals back in January. I love the show and it’s been very enjoyable to be part of. Learning the lines and songs has been interesting, but I got there in the end.”

Year 9 student Ava Graham said “I cannot wait for the next one! I’ve loved every second of it!”

An unforgettable evening was had by everyone in attendance, and it was brilliant to see Cookstown High School revive their iconic school musical.