Julie Madly Deeply (Tour – Salford)

Sarah-Louise Young, the actress and Aida performer, who wrote and stars in Julie Madly Deeply, chooses an appropriate title.

For Sarah-Louise is obviously madly, deeply committed to Julie Andrews whose tale she tells in between renditions of her popular songs.Sarah-Louise has all the poise, elocution and charm of the original.Dressed in plain blue most of the time, and, in contrast, an alpine decorated dirndl, she is obviously a lady.

Memories of Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and other favourites flood back via Sarah-Louise’s clear, cool voice, an almost exact replica of Julie’s.

But sadly, thanks to a throat operation that went wrong, Julie has now lost her crystal clear vocals. A stroke of bad luck also struck Sarah-Louise who was, herself, suffering from a cough but didn’t let it affect her performance.

We are reminded of other downs in Julie’s life such as handling an awkward stepfather and the break-up of her first marriage. Despite these hiccups we all know how successful Julie Andrews has been. We are uplifted by songs such as "Do Re Mi" and "Wouldn’t it be Loverly?"

The final number is that tongue twister Supercalifragillisticexpialidocious ending – a medley of songs well known to the audience who join in whole heartedly.

This may be a short musical show (90 minutes) with a cast of only two – Sarah-Louise and her wonderful pianist Michael Roulston with whom she sings a duet and interacts well – but you go away feeling that you have seen something great.

Julie Madly Deeply continues touring to Bury St Edmonds, Lemington Spa, Eastbourne and Richmond.

– Julia Taylor