Sing-along Sound of Music events are almost as famous as the classic film itself. Kerry Ann Eustice talks to the organisers about their appeal.

For nine years Sound of Music fans have been belting out the classic musical's award-winning numbers in cinemas.

From a one-off sing-along for the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, these interactive screenings have grown into a global sensation, selling out venues worldwide.

From a one-off sing-along for the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the organiser Sing-Along-A has developed these interactive screenings into a global sensation, selling out venues worldwide.

Other popular musicals such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show (infamous for it raucous participation), Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat and Hairspray have also enjoyed Sing-Along-A status.

Grease is the one everyone wants, of course, and Sing-Along-A has long been in talks to secure the rights.

"You don't need to know the film or the lyrics. It's very inclusive, no-one gets the mickey taken out of them."

"You don't need to know the film or the lyrics. It's very inclusive, no-one gets the mickey taken out of them or are made to feel silly," said Sing-Along-A's marketing manager Simon Thomas of why people flock to the shows as if they were a drop of golden sun.

"It took off immediately," he said. "It was such a big hit. We carried on and evolved the show into what it is now."

At each screening there is a host - celebrity hosts include Graham Norton and Rhona Cameron - a fancy-dress parade and, then, the film is shown with onscreen lyrics. Everyone is given a goody bag of props too.

Celebrity hosts at previous sing-alongs include Graham Norton and Rhona Cameron.

"Everyone knows it and loves it," said Simon of the film. "This celebrates the love people have for it. It's tongue-in-cheek but done with affection."

"We do have a theory, it replaces what people had when they were more likely to sing in church," he added. "They don't have that outlet of community singing any more. This gives them that outlet.

"People don't have that outlet of community singing any more. This gives them that outlet."

"People can do what they wouldn't usually do in a theatre. It's an extraordinary atmosphere."

Sing-Along-A Sound of Music, The Orchard, Dartford, May 8. 7.30pm. 01322 220000.

To find out more about Sing-Along-A click here

2:15pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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