ALW to use reality TV to find the lead for his forthcoming production of The Sound of Music

ALW to use reality TV to find the lead for his forthcoming production of The Sound of Music

It is reported that Andrew Lloyd Webber is to use reality TV to find the lead for his forthcoming production of The Sound of Music

The BBC report that he has teamed up with the BBC to make a Popstars-style talent show to find an unknown for the role Julie Andrews played in the film.

The BBC has confirmed it is in "early development talks" about the programme.

David Ian, who is co-producing the musical with Lord Lloyd-Webber, told The Sunday Times he hoped the show - which has the working title How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? - would "break new ground". "We think this could be an interesting way of casting someone who is not known yet but who has enormous talent."

The show, which is expected in the West End in late 2006, will feature a series of auditions, with the winner offered the role of the singing governess for the entire first run.