SIMON Walters had big shoes to fill when he agreed to the role of Harold Hill.

Rarely off stage and played by the likes of Robert Preston, Dick Van Dyke and Matthew Brodrick in this much loved musical about a travelling con man.

Walters was up to the job and injected the requisite energetic personality into the part as he squirmed out of trouble and wooed the cynical Marian Paroo (Annie Masters), the music teacher who played and sang her part with conviction.

Little Winthrop Paroo (George Lambourne) and Amaryllis (Mina Gedikoglu) also made the most of their parts.

The sound was generally good but it was a shame we were unable to hear some of the lyrics.

Badly managed set changes and a lack of energy added to a general lack of polish on the first night. On the plus side the costumes were beautiful and the company kept up the pace making for an enjoyable show overall.

REBECCA WELSH