Mother knows best when it comes to The Sound of Music

As for the film, the 1965 classic, starring Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp, took 10% of the vote in a tightly fought race, beating competition from James Cameron’s epic Titanic (9%) and ABBA jukebox musical Mamma Mia! (8%), according to the nationwide study carried out by Showcase Cinemas. The survey, which was commissioned to celebrate Mother’s Day, also revealed Molly Weasley (8%), played by Julie Walters, is the nation’s favourite big screen mum, with Morticia Addams (7%) and Miss Honey (6%), from Matilda, rounding out the top three.

Jon Dixon, UK marketing director for Showcase Cinemas said: “Going to the cinema has always been a much-loved family pastime, so we’re delighted to be celebrating mum’s favourite film this Mother’s Day. The Sound of Music came out as number one, but it was extremely tight with so many classics making the top ten.

“To give back to mums across the UK, we’re excited to announce all mums will be able to visit Showcase Cinema for free this Mother’s Day, so we’re looking forward to creating some happy memories for families across the country. Our survey has revealed that a quarter of the UK will be watching films this Mother’s Day, which shows how pivotal the big screen is when it comes to spending quality family time with your loved ones” What’s more, the survey revealed romantic movies (20%) are number one for mums when it comes to their favourite film genre, with drama (14%) and comedy (10%) also landing in the top three. In addition, nearly half (49%) of 18-24-year olds surveyed stated they would be going to the cinema this Mother’s Day, demonstrating the cinema is becoming more and more popular when it comes to Mother’s Day traditions.”

All mums and motherly figures can go free this Mother’s Day at Showcase Cinemas nationwide, all guests need to do is purchase a family ticket for 4 people, which will be discounted by 25% to allow mothers to watch the film free of charge. To see what’s screening and to book your tickets, visit the Showcase Cinemas website: showcasecinemas.co.uk.

And if the mums want to see The Sound Of Music on stage in Chichester this summer, they don’t have too long to wait. The big centrepiece for the Chichester summer is going to Gina Beck in The Sound Of Music (music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, directed by Adam Penford, July 10-September 3) in the main-house.

CFT artistic director said Daniel Evans said: “It has taken years for us to get The Sound of Music because the Rodgers and Hammerstein estate rightly considers it to be the jewel in their crown. This may be partly because it has become a famous film but they are very careful with controlling how much it is done and where it is done but it is a tribute to the Festival Theatre and our reputation with musicals that we knocked on their door and they said yes. Partly what makes it so special is that not long afterwards Hammerstein died so in one way it is the culmination of their careers together. It was certainly their last show together. But certainly as a piece of musical theatre writing it is just absolutely unbeatable. It's the combination of book and music, how they are held together, the form and the content. It's just magical. Literally it is about the sound of music, how music is brought into this rather sterile household and how it brings love and compassion to that household in an era and in an area of the world where freedom was being taken away. It was the annexation of Austria about to happen so there are associations with today. But it's also a deeply personal story. There is the religious aspect to it but there's also that strong personal family dramatic situation, the dynamic between a father who is widowed and children that need a mother. Everyone thinks that they know the musical but do people really think about the title? It is The Sound of Music and it is thinking about what that sound of music does. Sometimes I will just go to the piano if I want to lift my mood. You just put on a song if you want to lift your mood. Music can give you calm or peace or really psyche you up for a night out. This is a musical all about what music can do for you.”

And it didn't take long for Daniel to find his Maria: “I didn't have to look very hard. Gina was here in South Pacific and I think she has one of the greatest voices in musical theatre. She is a master technician as a singer but she is also a very gifted actress.”