The producers of THE SOUND OF MUSIC have announced that Connie Fisher is unable to return to the tour of THE SOUND OF MUSIC for its final engagements at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (23 August – 3 September), Manchester Palace Theatre (6 – 17 September), Newcastle Theatre Royal (20 September – 8 October) and New Theatre Wimbledon (11 – 22 October).

Since Connie’s last appearances in the tour in Oxford she has been suffering from a vocal condition which has seriously compromised her singing voice.  Despite intensive therapy and coaching it is now apparent that her voice has not recovered sufficiently for her to tackle the demands of the role of Maria.  

Connie said today "After many months of battling with a throat condition known as congenital sulcus vocalis, my vocal range has altered dramatically and it is with much regret that I have to withdraw from THE SOUND OF MUSIC as I no longer have the range to sing the part of Maria.  My journey with this amazing show has been such a magical one and I am devastated that I am not able to close the tour. I have loved every minute of working with Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and the cast and crew of THE SOUND OF MUSIC and I am only sorry that I am not able to be with them until the last performance."

Verity Rushworth (who has been winning rave reviews in every city for her performance as Maria) will continue in the role for the remainder of the tour.  Verity is probably best known to television viewers as Donna Windsor in ITV1’s ‘Emmerdale’, a role she played for eleven years.  Her West End theatre credits include the lead role of Penny Pingleton in HAIRSPRAY.

Directed by Jeremy Sams and with choreography by Arlene Philips this new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC opened at London Palladium on the 15th November 2006, running through the 21st February 2009. The UK tour began in Cardiff on the 26th July 2009.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC cast is now lead by Verity Rushworth as Maria, Jason Donovan as Captain Von Trapp and Marilyn Hill Smith as Mother Abbess. Philippa Buxton alternates the role of Maria.