Turning a classic novel into a musical is always a gambit, traditionalists shuddering in horror as their beloved text is turned into an all-singing-all-dancing extravaganza, far removed from the original story.

Lowrie Izzard, assures me this is certainly not the case with Teresa Howard’s brand new adaption of I Capture The Castle, coming to Oxford Playhouse next week

Lowrie, who plays the eccentric narrator Cassandra, says: “They haven’t tried to transform it into a big Broadway show but instead they use the songs to tell the story. For example Casssandra has an ongoing diary song which she sings throughout the play and explains how’s she feeling and where she’s at, a narrative if you like.

“The songs make them characters more human really as they can show their emotions through songs in a way that the text can’t, so the music helps get the story across and it really works.”

Having graduated from RADA in July, casting Lowrie, an unknown, in the lead, was another gamble, but judging by the speed with which she was cast, she must have made quite an impression at the auditions.

“I heard this musical of I Capture The Castle was going on and that they were looking for a 17 year-old girl so went along to the auditions, and it was the quickest change of fortunes, from being unemployed to employed, that I’ve ever known,” she laughs.

“It happened really quickly so I’m ready grateful to be part of such a wonderful piece in an original cast like this for something so special.

So who is her Cassandra and does she differ from Dodie Smith’s original, or even the film? “I’d read the book and was half-way through the film when I stopped and decided against it, because it’s very different to the musical because I wanted to stay true to my own interpretation of who she is.

“I think I Capture The Castle is basically a comedy, but sometimes Cassandra is played quite seriously. Yes, she’s sarcastic and witty, but I think that’s her coping mechanism for living with her eccentric family. Without the comedy you’re missing the essence of who she is.

“It’s also important that Cassandra stays true to herself. So I don’t think it’s a sad story. I think it’s very forward thinking and inspirational because Cassandra is so honest. In the end she chooses herself which is a very brave decision to make and very empowering.

“Plus, we can all relate to her because we have all loved someone who doesn’t love us back.

“So all-in-all it’s been a completely creative process and as it’s brand new we’ve been all able to bring something to the table and are very comfortable with each other.

“It’s a tight knit unit and I’ve learnt a lot on this job already. We all psyche each other to get back out there again and be the best we can be but we love every second.

“It’s a big part and a big responsibility. It’s courageous of them to give me such a big role but it’s been an absolute pleasure and is an amazing learning experience

Such confidence in one so young (Lowrie is 24), in her first big role is unusual, but then hailing from South Wales, she is used to competing.

“I’m from Bridgend, so competed in the National Eisteddfod of Wales, (a national singing competitions which is all about song, poetry and dance) with my twin sister.

“So even though at RADA we concentrated on Shakespeare, Greek tragedy and Jacobean drama, I have a big musical range.”

And a twin sister? “Yes she’s an actress too, my poor parents! But we’re not competitive. If anyone is going to win a part, I’d rather it was her.

“It’s like having a drama coach on tap – we rehearse together and help each other out, so she’s been great.”

So what would Lowrie say to critics of the musical? “They are the ones who need to come and see it, before they make that decision, because I think Dodie Smith would be really proud of what we’ve done.

“Yes everyone has an image of what something should be, but this is an adaption and Teresa has made sure it’s very sympathetically and truthful. The audiences seem to be loving it.

“So this production has been everything I’d imagined and more. I’m enjoying every second.”

I Capture The Castle

May 16-20

Oxford Playhouse

01865 305305

oxfordplayhouse.com