Connie Fisher

Current Role

Having won the BBC's talent show 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria' in September 2006, Connie Fisher was awarded the part of Maria in West End version of The Sound of Music, which is currently playing at the London Palladium.

Please be advised: Connie Fisher will not be performing Monday evenings and Wednesday matinees and we cannot guarantee that Connie Fisher will appear in every performance. Connie Fisher will be performing in The Sound of Music until 23rd February 2008 and will be on holiday between 13th and 24th November 2007

Early Life

Connie was born in Belfast in 1983. She then lived in Dorset until the age of six, when she moved to Pembrokeshire in Wales. A Welsh speaker, Connie was classically trained from the age of twelve, and she won a scholarship to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts where she received a first class BA in Musical Theatre. Her first job after graduation was as the Princess in a local pantomine version of Aladdin. However, she struggled initially to make her breakthrough in the West End, going to countless auditions and narrowly missing out on many roles. She worked in media sales whilst continuing to audition, a job which she explains that she hated.

Career Highlights

In August 2006 Connie gained a place as a finalist on the BBC show 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria' after an open audition featuring 6,000 others. The show was the brainchild of legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who wanted an unknown to fill one of the most famous roles in musical history, that of Maria von Trapp in the The Sound of Music, played by Julie Andrews in the 1960s film version.

Connie was up against nine other hopefuls, all aiming to get the part. Hosted by Graham Norton, the show featured a panel of experts, but the elimination process was entirely down to public vote. Connie eventually won the final, when over two million people cast telephone votes. Connie was understandably delighted to gain the role, saying, 'I feel on top of the world, thanks very much. I won't let you down. Every night will be an opening night. Thanks for making my dreams come true.'

Interesting Facts

• Prior to entering How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria Connie worked in telesales
• In the first of the 'knock out' rounds, Connie's rendition of 'Natural Woman' received the highest number of public votes
• On October 9th 2006, Connie released her debut album Favourite Things

Awards

Since taking the role of Maria in The Sound of Music Connie Fisher has won numerous awards, such as:

• London Newcomer of the Year at The Theatregoers' Choice Awards
• Favourite Actress Award by The People's Choice
• Best Newcomer by The London Critics