11:40am Thursday 9th July 2009
By Emma Clayton
Connie Fisher, who is set to star in The Sound of Music when it comes to Bradford for a month this summer, said throat problems that threatened her career are now behind her.
Theatre bosses in Bradford confirmed that the actress/-singer would be starring in the production, despite her being forced to pull out of a solo tour in April due to health problems.
The 26-year-old was diagnosed with congenital fusion anomalies on her vocal chords. She said her doctor considered it a “miracle” that she was able to have a singing career, with the condition having been present from birth.
Following surgery, described as necessary to give her any chance of performing again, Miss Fisher has been able to rehearse for the lead role in the touring production of The Sound of Music.
The former telesales worker shot to fame in 2006 after winning BBC1’s How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? which searched for a star for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much-anticipated revival of the musical.
Miss Fisher went on to win rave reviews for her performance in the show at the London Palladium.
In preparation for her return to the role of Maria, she has travelled to Austria to perfect her yodelling skills.
“I’m so pleased to be back on stage, climbing another mountain,” she said.
“From what I was told, I didn’t think I would be doing that again so I’m relieved to be back on stage.”
She said the health problems had “come out of the blue”.
“Some people sing with their voices and some people sing with their hearts,” she said.
“If I lose my voice I will sing with my heart.”
Miss Fisher will be joined in the production by Michael Praed, star of 1980s TV shows Dynasty and Robin Hood, who will play Captain Von Trapp.
The Sound of Music comes to Bradford’s Alhambra – its only Yorkshire venue – from September 2 to 26. For ticket information, ring (01274) 432000.
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