So long, farewell to Maria understudy
Saturday, 23 Sep 2006 12:24
The problem of Maria continues
Emma Williams, who was due to act as an understudy to talent show winner Connie Fisher in The Sound of Music revival, has left the show.
It is thought that Williams' departure is linked to her objections to being described as the understudy of Fisher, who won the role after emerging victorious from the BBC's recent How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? Programme.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's production company, Really Useful Productions, said that Williams had "withdrawn her services" following the casting of Fisher.
The talent show winner, who had been facing performing six out of the eight weekly performances, will now play all eight until a permanent replacement can be found "unless she is indisposed".
Williams, the industry professional, has previously appeared as Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, in numerous TV dramas and other West End musicals Bat Boy and Promises, Promises and Sex.
West End experts say that the prestige and importance attached to the nature of the word used to describe the substitute's role lies at the heart of the matter.
Whereas "understudy" denotes a definite inferiority, "cover" is widely perceived to be more respectable because it is less demeaning.