Reality TV to find 'Maria' for The Sound of Music

Reality TV to find 'Maria' for The Sound of Music

It is now confirmed thet the BBC are producing a reality TV programme to find the main star of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s forthcoming production of The Sound Of Music, which is expected at the London Palladium later this year.

The show, presented by Graham Norton, is entitled "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?".

Andrew Lloyd-Webber says: "I have always had a passion for discovering and nurturing new talent and this will be a fantastic opportunity for a young artist to become a real star."

Graham Norton says: "It will be a real rollercoaster for everyone involved...I'm thrilled to be along for the ride...I'll be there to mop the brows and do some serious handholding as we try and find that star-in-the-making."

Nationwide open auditions will take place beginning in Belfast on 22 April. Under the direction of a team of professionals, the final 50 will then be whittled down to a shortlist of 10, who will perform live each week on television - with the eventual winner decided by public vote.

Money from phone votes will provide a bursary to help young people establish a career in musical theatre.