Problem Solved! Connie Fisher to Play Maria in London Sound of Music

Connie Fisher, a 23-year-old currently working in telesales who has a degree in musical theater from London's Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, has been selected to play Maria in the London Palladium revival of The Sound of Music.

Fisher was chosen by public vote on the weekly British television series How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, which featured a judging panel that included co-producers Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian, plus West End and Broadway musical performer John Barrowman. Ten hopefuls for the part were whittled down to two in the course of the seven-week show, with Fisher going head-to-head with Helena Blackman, also 23, in the final round broadcast on BBC1 on September 16.

After she was declared the winner, Fisher said, “I feel on top of the world. I won't let you down, I promise. Every night will be opening night. Thank you for making my dream come true.” Born in Belfast and brought up in Dorset until she was six, Fisher moved with her family to Pembrokeshire in Wales and spent her childhood there. She previously appeared with the National Youth Theatre and made her professional debut in a pantomime version of Aladdin. Since graduating from drama school 18 months ago, Fisher has been auditioning without success: “I'm always the bridesmaid but never the bride.”

Producer Ian has sought to quash rumors about the winner being pre-determined. “The show was not fixed and the choice was down to the voters,” he insisted.

It has been widely reported, however, that the role will be shared with established professional Emma Williams, who originated the role of Truly Scrumptious in the stage version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium in 2002.

The Sound of Music opens in the West End on November 14.