Viewers choose Connie for "Sound of Music" role

LONDON, Sep 17 (Reuters) A 23-year-old Welsh call centre worker won a television contest to star in a revival of the musical ''The Sound of Music'' on the London stage.

Connie Fisher was chosen by viewers to play the lead role of Maria in London's West End and landed a six-month contract.

The contest, entitled ''How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?'', was launched by composer and producer Andrew Lloyd Webber and attracted 6,000 hopefuls.

He decided to hunt for an unknown after failing to secure US actress Scarlett Johansson for the role.

''It's unbelievable. I won't let you down. Every night will be opening night,'' Fisher said after winning yesterday.

Fisher auditioned in vain for several parts after graduating from theatre school and said Julie Andrews, who played the feisty governess in the 1965 film, was her heroine.

REUTERS LL PM0830