IT'S always uplifting to see a BOST Musical - a celebration of dedication, creative commitment and talent across all theatrical areas and disciplines.

From Shrek to Sweeney Todd and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang they have very strong production values.

The Sound of Music - the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic - is their latest success at the Liverpool Empire - an ideal showcase for the individual and collective members of BOST and that includes the behind-the-scenes crew, too, all give 100 per cent and help to ensure that audiences of all ages enjoyed the end experience in four performances over a three-day run.

Jennifer Swanepoel played the sparkling, sensitive and feisty Maria Rainer the aspiring young nun who is encouraged to find a new life outside the convent walls when she becomes a governess to naval hero Captain Von Trapp's seven children.

We all know the 1965 film where Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer set the benchmark for future generations playing the couple in this tale based on a true story.

Set amid the rIse of the Third Reich in Germany and Austria in 1938 it is a musical that covers all human emotions.

The children are pivotal characters and in this bright and breezy stage version the magnificent seven were all outstanding (two ensembles alternated) you cared about them and their relationship with the stand-offish captain and his socialite love interest.

And we all fell in love with the optimistic and philosophical Maria who brings much needed music and fun into the clinical and cold household.

Under the direction of Tricia Gaskell the orchestra was top-notch displaying a consistently high standard - a long-standing BOST trademark.

From the convent and the hills of Salzburg to the interior and exterior of the Von Trapp mansion, the audience is treated to lots of visual treats.

Full marks to projection designer Julian Butler for inventive visuals, One major highlight of this two and half our production was the striking use of back- projection alongside Holly Speakman's first class props and costumes.

Jennifer glided along as the romantically born-again Maria. Outstanding throughout.

She exuded warmth and her lovely voice captured the perennial magic of the songs from My Favourite Things and Do-Re-Mi to The Lonely Goatherd.

Tony Prince, a BOST stalwart, provided one of many tingly moments with a warm and tender version of Edelweiss.

Praise be to Gina Phillips , too, as the mother abbess soaring on Climb Ev'ry Mountain.

And Jonty Barnes fleshed out the likeable character of family friend Max Detweiler with fine timing.

The drama and its endearing comedic scenes were well-paced and director and choreographer James Lacey-Kiggins clearly knows how to get the best out of his vast versatile team.

And that is the key - teamwork shone in every scene.

This show was another triumph for BOST - a company that ticks all the boxes when it comes to presenting the best of musicals.

A slick and polished and hugely entertaining re-imagining of a timeless show stamped with that BOST enthusiasm and passion that they are rightly renowned for.

VERDICT: 5 stars Perfect Harmony