South Pacific

~~It is a well-known fact that Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals contain feel-good, sing-along, toe-tapping tunes, but, surely, South Pacific takes this to extremes! We have “Some Enchanted Evening”, “Nothin’ Like a Dame”, I’m Gonna Wash that Man right out-a my Hair”, “Happy Talk”, “This Nearly was Mine” to name but a few – and there are still more.
This show, premiered in 1949, still pulls in the audiences, and this week’s production by South Downe  in Ferneham Hall, Fareham, was no exception. A very strong cast underpinned the strength of this most enjoyable evening.
The large cast, too many to mention everyone unfortunately, was led by Emile de Becque, a French Planter, played by Danny Owen. I can honestly say this was the finest portrayal of this character, who ran away to the South Pacific because ‘he killed a man’, that I have ever seen. I cannot praise Danny highly enough, his French accent was impeccable throughout, never faltering in any situation that he faced. His solos ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and ‘This Nearly Was Mine’ were highlights. Lauren Kempton took the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush in her stride. Perfectly cast, Lauren was very comfortable in her characterisation of this young woman who has fallen in love with the middle aged widower who has two Eurasian children.  She brought both amusement and pathos to the role, coping well with all vocal tasks and choreographed numbers, a most creditable performance.
Charming performances from Ngana and Jerome, de Becque’s two Eurasian children played by Isabelle Parsons and Louis Williamson! Hayley Milton brought a new freshness to the role of Bloody Mary, her deliverence of her signature number Bali Ha’I was excellent. Alan Jenkins as the ducking and diving ‘Luther Billis’, never fails to come up trumps and this character was no exception, an admirable contribution. 
Chris Smith and Becky Garnett took the roles of lovers Lt Joe Cable and Liat in their stride. Chris’s ‘Younger Than Springtime’ and particularly the difficult ‘You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught’ were memorable! A seasoned performance from Bill Price as Capt Brackett with good support from Jonathan Shirlaw, Cmdr. William Harbison with a large number of minor parts played by members of the chorus together with a fine ensemble all added to a most enjoyable evening.
Another superb production from South Downe!  Director (John-Paul McCrohon) assisted by Matt Sackman both deserve mention for their hard work, as does Katie Walsh (Choreographer) for not only keeping the girls in time – but the men as well! They were well supported by Alan Pring, Musical Director, with his superb orchestral ensemble.

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