Opera North has announced that leading soprano Katie Bird and star of stage screen Edward Bennett will star as Maria and Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music this summer at Leeds Grand Theatre. Bennett is an RSC Associate Artist whilst Bird is part of the Chorus of Opera North. Bird was seen as Eliza Doolittle in 2024’s My Fair Lady, a co-production between Opera North and Leeds Playhouse. Bennett’s recent TV appearances include Lockerbie, A Search for Truth, SAS: Rogue Heroes and Bridgerton, whilst his stage work includes A Man for All Seasons, Breaking the Code and numerous Shakespeare productions with the RSC.
Several roles will be taken on by artists from the Chorus of Opera North, the Company’s full-time professional ensemble. These include Kamil Bień as Rolf Gruber, Amy Freston as Baroness Elsa Schraeder, Nicholas Butterfield as Max Detweiler, Molly Barker-Knowles as Sister Berthe, Hannah Mason as Sister Margaretta, Gillene Butterfield as Sister Sophia, Dean Robinson as Franz, Claire Pascoe as Frau Schmidt, Ivan Sharpe as Herr Zeller, Tim Ochala-Greenough as Admiral von Schreiber, Graham Russell as Baron Elberfeld and Helen Évora as Baroness Elberfeld.
Completing the cast is Katherine Broderick who stars as Mother Abbess, alongside Abigail Sinclair and April Perrott will share the role of Liesl von Trapp.
Based on Curve’s 2025 Christmas production, the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will be directed by Nikolai Foster. Joining him from the original Curve creative team are set and costume designer Michael Taylor, lighting designer Mark Henderson and choreographer Ebony Molina. Oliver Rundell becomes the musical director, with Ollie Khurshid as associate director and Dale White as associate choreographer. Becky Paris CDG is the casting consultant.
The beloved score will be played live by the 40-piece Orchestra of Opera North.
The Sound of Music opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on 9th July 2026 and runs until 1st August 2026. Tickets are on sale now.
