Cork favourites to star alongside Matt Blaker and Carrie Mullane in Sound of Music production

The Sound of Music will run at Cork Opera House from July 23 to August 23

Matt Blaker has been cast as Captain Von Trapp in the Cork Opera House summer production of The Sound of Music.

Cork Opera House has cast West End star Matt Blaker, leading man of The Phantom of the Opera, as Captain Von Trapp in its summer production of The Sound of Music.

Blaker, who has played Billy Flynn in Chicago, Frank Farmer in The Bodyguard, and appeared as a cast member of Netflix's The Crown, will star opposite acclaimed Irish soprano Wendy Carr, who was previously announced as Maria.

He is joined by one of Ireland's most celebrated Sopranos, Majella Cullagh, in the pivotal role of Mother Abbess, alongside Jean Elliott (Sister Sophia), Carrie Mullane (Sister Berthe), and Emma Nash (Sister Margaretta), who have also been cast.

The announcement follows early demand for the 30-show run, which runs from July 23 to August 23, with a number of performances already sold out months ahead of opening night.

In March, acclaimed singer and actress Wendy Carr was confirmed to play the iconic role of Maria in the production.

Carr is an acclaimed soprano and stage performer whose credits span Opera, Musical Theatre, and classical crossover. Her operatic roles include Susanna (The Marriage of Figaro), Frasquita (Carmen), and Anne Page ( The Merry Wives of Windsor).

Wendy Carr will star as Maria in the Cork Opera House production of The Sound of Music this summer.

Speaking about the most recent casting announcement, Eibhlín Gleeson, CEO and Artistic Director at Cork Opera House, said: “Casting the Mother Abbess is one of the most important decisions in any production of The Sound of Music. We needed someone who could land Climb Ev'ry Mountain with the weight and emotion it deserves, and there was only ever one name for us — Majella Cullagh.

“Majella is a dear friend of Cork Opera House, a powerhouse performer and actor, and one of the finest sopranos this country has produced. I am beyond excited that she has agreed to play our Mother Abbess, and I think it sets the foundation for an incredible Cork-influenced Sound of Music, using the best talent we have in our city.

“And in Matt Blaker, we have found our Captain Von Trapp. Matt brings serious West End pedigree to the role – Phantom, Chicago, The Bodyguard – and we can't wait for audiences to see him lead this cast opposite Wendy.” 

Gleeson said she is also “delighted” to welcome Jean Elliott, Carrie Mullane and Emma Nash to the production, describing them as “formidable, experienced, home-grown artists who will complement Majella's role exceptionally well”.

“Emma is an inaugural member of our Cara O'Sullivan Associate Artist  Programme, which makes this casting particularly meaningful for us,” she said.

Further casting announcements and production details will be revealed in the coming weeks.