CONNIE Fisher was a deserving winner of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? She has a great voice and an enchanting personality.

But she does not come close to matching the talent of Julie Andrews. The iconic soundtrack to The Sound Of Music is locked in the public consciousness, so it is impossible not to compare both works.

With its luscious orchestrations courtesy of Andrew Lloyd Webber and excellent production standards, fans should see the Palladium show, but avoid this new recording.

Despite the welcome inclusion of Lesley Garret, in an inflated role as the Mother Abbess, devotees will long for the familiarity of the 42-year-old recording.

Whereas, Andrews often broke the rules and added her own translucent interpretation to Rodgers & Hammerstein's score, Fisher falls opaquely flat.

Fisher is good, but Maria is a role too far.

The most telling track is the heart-breaking ballad Something Good, which Fisher tackles on the cast recording and on her signature debut album, both disastrously.

Yet, Fisher does a sterling job of Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend.