The Stage

Radio 4 to present the baroness’ take on The Sound of Music

Published Tuesday 28 October 2008 at 15:40 by Matthew Hemley

BBC Radio 4 is to present a new take on The Sound of Music with a drama that retells the Rodgers and Hammerstein story through the eyes of Maria’s rival, Baroness Schräder.

Written by prolific radio playwright Annie Caulfield with the working title How Do You Solve a Problem Like That?, the 60-minute Saturday play will explore the famous story from the viewpoint of the Baroness - the original love interest of Captain von Trapp - who falls from favour when Maria is brought into the von Trapp household as governess.

Caulfield said she had always known the story, but had begun to become more aware of the real baroness’s poor treatment at the hands of Captain Von Trapp as she got older. She said she had researched the real life story and found out that it was the baroness who had actually suggested von Trapp hire a governess for the children, which consequently resulted in her being jilted.

“The facts tell us the Captain had lost his wife and huge amounts of money and was in real state when Baroness Schräder found him. She tried to sort his life out and made this mistake of getting a nun in as a governess,” Caulfield explained.

“When I did my research I was happy the baroness did not seem to be a bad sort and was vindicated that I had always felt sorry for her.”

Although Caulfield’s story is based on fact, including memoirs from the von Trapp children, she said she had invented a “Sex and The City scenario” in her drama where Schräder goes for “coffee and cakes in Vienna with a friend” to discuss the captain.

She said the programme would provide a witty take on the story, but added it would not offend fans of the original.

“I have been warned by commissioners not to spoil the film for people. Hopefully it will enhance the film for die hard fans,” she added.

The drama, which is being made by the BBC, will be broadcast next year, although the transmission date and cast have not yet been confirmed.