Interview: THE VOICE's Lucy O'Byrne On THE SOUND OF MUSIC Tour!

Hello Lucy, and thanks for talking to us at BWW:UK! How is the tour going so far?

Great! The audience response has been amazing, which is a good sign we're on the right track!

You've had a reasonably short rehearsal period for the show, but you've had time to get used to the idea of playing Maria...

I found out a good bit in advance so I've had time to learn all of the music and make sure I was solid on all of that. So that was helpful - going in for the first week of rehearsal I didn't need to worry so much about all of that, just focus on the character and the storytelling.

It's such an iconic role!

Yes! I was absolutely terrified - incredibly excited, obviously, it's wonderful to get to play this role, it's something that almost every actress in musical theatre dreams of, it's such an incredible part and I'm so lucky to have it. It's a massive responsibility, and I'm nervous every night - not just to do justice to Maria herself, who was of course a real person, but to the audiences, who for the past 50 years have had their own image of who she is and have a huge love for her and the story itself.

But that works both ways - they want you to do well and they'll be willing you on!

Oh, absolutely. That's been very apparent so far. They've been completely on baord from the word go. We've had people dressed up in the audience and it's been amazing to see the audience reaction - people crying, singing, standing up. They're on our side and that's a huge support for us.

And how are your captain and the kids?

They're wonderful. Gray [Gray O'Brien] is fantastic. I've hit the jackpot. He's a lovely man and it's his first time doing a musical so he's nervous as well - we're helping each other through it. The kids are incredible - we have three groups, and they're some of the hardest-working people I've ever met. They still have to go to school and do their homework - and on stage they're so engaging to watch.

Touring is quite gruelling for anybody - how are you planning to look after yourself and your voice?

Lots of rest! I'm going to take it easy, rest in between shows when we have matinees, and definitely not going out.

A nice quiet Christmas then?

Yes - just keeping it together, keeping it relaxed when I'm not on stage.

Where are you particularly looking forward to visiting?

I'm incredibly excited for the Lowry. When I was on The Voice, we filmed much of it there. And I'm excited for Scotland - I've never been there and always wanted to!

The Sound of Music is on tour around the UK.

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