South Pacific

A perennial favourite, I remember being on the audition panel for the 2004 production of this musical.  Lovely music, and a fairly minimal set made this an easy production to watch.

The set worked well, I liked the walkway enclosing the orchestra, it allowed for the story to be maintained whilst scene changes took place, and everything seemed to work well.

Lighting was mostly nicely thought out and managed, giving atmosphere where needed, but I would have liked something a little more atmospheric for the Bali Ha’i number, the lighting seemed much too prosaic, it didn’t create that dreamy faraway feel that the number has. 

Sound was good throughout, sound balance between band and stage was excellent.

Linda Dyne kept the production on a fairly traditional plane, there’s not much you can do with such well-known and iconic musicals, but it worked well on the whole.  Skilful relationships between principals gave the production a nice feel.

Musically this was an excellent production, the band was exceptional and accompanied the singers well, but also brought the volume up where possible, creating a lovely swell of sound.  Beth Thomas showed that she had put in the time with the cast, to create a musically enjoyable show.

David Barton kept his choreography fairly simple, which suited the feel of the piece, but I would have liked to have seen more grouping for the ensemble, rather than lines, as it would have created a bit more interest.

Costumes were mostly good and colourful.

The children behaved well on stage, Raphaelle Pesez and Cailin Earley covering Ngana, with Jerome covered by Joe Crocker and Maxton Brewer.  Very charming, they sang well.

Sarah Russell was a matter of fact Nellie, which was a slightly different slant on the character, but I enjoyed her portrayal, and she sang very well. There was a naturalness about her that made the character real.

Matthew Gregory brought Emile to life, with that gorgeous voice and a real presence on stage, creating a good relationship with Nellie and the children. Two stand-out numbers, beautifully performed, that touched my heart.

Bloody Mary was played well by Roxy Parkins, again slightly more subdued than others I have seen, but well played and sung, with a glimpse of the naivety but connivance of the woman wanting a better life for her daughter.

Carl Robinson gave Luther Billis a bit of swagger, a good portrayal, showing the character’s foibles!  Honey Bun worked well.

Stephen Wiley got the essence of Joe Cable, singing well, and creating a lovely relationship with Liat. 

Liat was played with great charm by Naomi Meaden, I enjoyed what she did.

Captain Brackett was played well by David Neal – good attention to detail.

Barny Shergold was a bright, upbeat Commander Harbison, forging a good bridge between Brackett and the troops!

The ensemble ladies looked as if they were enjoying themselves, their costumes looked good, and the way they moved around the stage, coped with the choreography and sang was all nicely achieved.

The male ensemble did well with the choreography for Dames, and created a good sound for so few of them, impressive.  Their relaxed costumes worked efficently and their different personas were accomplished well.

A charming evening’s entertainment, with some good performances, particularly from Sarah and Matthew.

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