Jason Donovan, Verity Rushworth to Star in UK Tour of Sound of Music

Jason Donovan and Verity Rushworth will star as Captain Von Trapp and Maria, respectively, in the 2011 UK tour of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music, according to Whatsonstage.com. The tour is presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. Jeremy Sams will direct the tour, which will recommence on January 29 at Hull’s New Theare.

The musical tells the story of an Austrian postulant who proves too high-spirited for the religious life, and is sent to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain. The production will feature choreography by Arlene Phillips, design by Robert Jones, sound by Mick Potter and lighting by Mark Henderson.

Donovan’s stage credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Rocky Horror Show. He was also a 2006 finalist on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!, placing third.

Rushworth recently appeared in the musical Departure Lounge, and credits also include playing Penny Pingleton in the West End production of Hairspray. She is best known for her role as Donna Windsor in Granada TV’s Emmerdale, which she began at age 12, and played for over ten years.

2011 tour stops will include Mold, Stoke-on-Trent, Derry, Dublin, Glasgow, Leeds, Oldham, Nottingham, and Manchester.