HOW do we solve a problem like Maria? was not the only dilemma facing a school in recent end-of-term production of The Sound of Music.

Before the nuns could deal with Maria, director of music at Beechwood Park in Markyate, Julie Edwards, had to think of a way of accommodating the 60-plus pupils keen to appear in the production.

Her ambitious solution was to have two casts on alternating days.

Julie admitted: “It was an ambitious undertaking but at Beechwood we strive to allow all children the opportunity to perform in concerts, or on stage, or to represent the school in sport, if they are keen to do so.”

The production involved children aged nine to 13 and Julie went on: “It was an enormous undertaking for my colleagues and me to rehearse and prepare two different casts in this substantial musical – we have been working on the shows since last September.

“Of course, there’s been extra work for the wardrobe ladies too as children vary in size so much at this age. It has been a huge success and very enjoyable and pleasing that so many people have participated and been involved and a privilege to work with such talented children.”