South Pacific

~~How wonderful, on a snowy horrible night, to be transported to the delights of the South Pacific.  Because of the snarled traffic in Bradford the start of the show had (thankfully) been delayed.
The opening of this show, following the delightful opening song by the two children (Katie Mae Ramsey & Fraser Campbell-McDonald) was quite slow and ponderous, but it really picked up and came to life with the entrance of the men’s chorus and that wonderful character Bloody Mary, beautifully acted and sung by Anne Tonks.  The scene with the two Marine officers Brackett & Harbison (Stephen Jamieson & Alan Hirst) was very well portrayed and brought out all the humour in the libretto.  The show took another small dip back with the number ‘Gonna wash that man’; somehow, this number with Nellie, wasn’t convincing, either with the shampooing or the unexpected encounter with the hero Emile, however Cable (Paul Metcalf) and Liat (Christa D’Apolito) soon took us back to Bali Hai.
The Thanksgiving Follies, again I thought, were rather low key but Cable and Emile’s scene, prior to going on their mission ,was very moving, as was Nellie’s plea to ‘Live Emile, Live’.  The scene with only the radio contact between base and the island was well presented and acted and the following scene between Nellie, Mary and Liat was very real.  The final scene between Nellie, the children and Emile, when he returns, usually makes me cry and congratulations to Richard Aldham & Amy Jagger you did it!  I needed my hankie!
It is always difficult to judge one of one’s favourite shows but somehow this production could have done with just that little bit more to really bring it to life.  It was pleasant and enjoyable but Emile, although singing well, did not somehow have the charisma that was needed.  Nellie, well acted and sung, also lacked the ‘bounce’ that perhaps she should have had.  The chorus movement, both ladies and gentlemen, was rather sluggish and could have been more lively.  But, I very much enjoyed my evening and the show.
The scenery was good and the sets well and efficiently changed, props were excellent, especially the Boar’s tooth Bracelet’.  Costumes were quite adequate and well fitting.  The orchestra was almost un-noticeable (always a good sign) but effected all the right feelings and moods of the show.  Well done Buttershaw.

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