South Pacific

Watlington Players certainly created the right atmosphere with their production of South Pacific. Firstly welcoming everyone with a wonderful hand-made lei and then providing not only an absolutely superb set to transport us to a pacific island but also the ambient temperature to go with it!

There was much to be impressed by in this show.  Performances were all of a very good standard, particularly those of Principals Megan Abbott as Nellie and David Brammer as Emile whose love story the show is based on.Superb voices and great acting.

There were other fine performances in this show too.   As the never-miss-a- trick Bloody Mary, Nerys Brooks did a good job and the same could also be said of Steve Brooks in the often coveted role of Luther Billis.  The role of Joe Cable here played by Chris Hiam is a difficult one. There is not much for an actor to get hold of in the sub-plot of his attachment to Liat (good work by Beth Jory) but he did extremely well.  He also has an excellent voice.

A trio of very minor roles: Emile’s children played by Hannah Futter, (Ngana), Ben Buck (Jerome) and their servant Henry (Leslie Judd) were well done. It is not always easy to play “on-off” roles.

Good work from Richard Abel (Captain Brackett) supported by Andy Prior as Commander Harbison from whom a bit more projection would have been helpful, particularly when upstage. In the main I thought all those with dialogue in named roles gave excellent support.  

The male ensemble had great attack from their first appearance matched well by the nurses’ ensemble. They were full of verve and energy from the off.  There was some great interaction particularly within the Seabees Ensemble led by Billis, Stewpot (Ian Gooda) and the Professor (Hugh Pearce) which added strength to the production. It was obvious from the outset that everyone knew what they had to do and obviously enjoyed doing it.  

A third ensemble of islanders, nuns and tourists was added which provided more voices and colour to an already colourful production.  There is not much dancing in this show but what there was had been well choreographed by Director Penny Cooke.

Judy Parsons’ costumes were excellent.  Lighting was good although the noise from the cooling fans on the remotely controlled follow spots were a distraction. Sound effects were good and on cue.

This show was extremely well directed by Penny Cooke.  Excellent use was made of the stage and the issues of America’s involvement in the war in the South Pacific and racial prejudice (still prevalent in the American psyche of the time), together with the Lieutenant’s relationship with the young Liat were depicted with sensitively.   The Musical Direction was in the hands of Amy Power and she had worked the singers well.

This famous show has long been a favourite of amateur musical groups and it is no wonder as it is full of wonderful songs all of which stand the test of time.  This was a lovely offering from Watlington Players and one which I think will go down in the Players’ history as being not only a success but also a memorable one.

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