ITV trumpets Sound of Music

UK commercial broadcaster ITV will air a live performance of The Sound of Music over the Christmas period.

Oscar-winning film The Sound of Music

The channel will carry a two-and-a-half-hour version of the Oscar-winning 1965 film, which starred Julie Andrews as nun-turned-governess Maria in 1938 Austria.

It marks the first time a musical has been broadcast live on UK national television, and follows a US version that aired in 2013 starring Carrie Underwood.

ITV director of comedy and entertainment Elaine Bedell said: “This is the first time in the UK that this type of project has been attempted, a musical drama both performed and broadcast live.

“We’ve assembled some of the very best talent both in front of and behind the camera, and I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

The Sound of Music Live! is being produced by ITV Studios. Andre Ptaszynski, Lee Connolly and Fiona Clark will executive produce.