A WORCESTER actress taking on the lead role in a hit musical has proved it must be one of her favourite things - after starring as its youngest cast member 20 years ago.

Becky Hasnip starred as Gretl, the youngest of the von Trapp children, in The Sound of Music in 1980.

Now she is appearing as nun-cum-nanny Maria in a Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society production, which is due to hit the stage tomorrow.

"It's great to be in the play again and it's bringing back a lot of memories," said Becky, aged 26, of Ombersley Road.

"Because I was only five when I played Gretl, it's quite nice to have a trip down Memory Lane.

"It's also good as I can understand the more adult themes such as the Nazi occupation now, so I can get a different perspective."

As everyone who watches their television at Christmas will know, The Sound of Music is the tale of a nun put in charge of the von Trapp brood. She slowly begins to mould the children, and catches the eye of their hard-nosed ex-Navy father.

They marry, but soon after are forced to leave Austria due to the Nazi occupation.

The storyline of the play is similar to the film, but has a few different songs to entertain the audience.

It runs at Malvern Festival Theatre from tomorrow until Saturday. Call the box office on 01684 892277.