South Pacific

The musical, South Pacific, was composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan.  Although the musical premiered on Broadway in 1949 Scunthorpe MTS ensured the audience had the opportunity to see this classic show and hear the beautiful music which still holds its own over 70 years later. 

The plot focusses on an American nurse, Nellie Forbush, stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II.  Kate Holtby was astounding in this role which the programme explained was her first ever performance.  And what a debut! Kate danced and acted brilliantly as the nurse and her songs were simply stunning.  She was convincing in her love for French plantation owner, Emile de Becque (Andrew Jackson) as well as in her struggle to accept his mixed-race children.  Jackson, is an experienced performer, who confidently managed the role and worked well with Holtby – allowing the audience to feel empathy with this man who had escaped France having committed a murder.

Laura Hunt was thoroughly entertaining as Bloody Mary, the Tonkinese trader selling her wares to the GIs and sharing her newly learnt American phrases in a very comic way.  Mary facilitates a secondary romance, between a U.S. Marine lieutenant and her daughter, Liat.  Tom Toward took the role of Lieutenant Joseph Cable who is forced to explore his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart.  A great performance from Toward who developed a sensitive relationship with Amy Johnson playing Liat.  Liat has limited lines, but her presence was beautifully portrayed with beautiful movement and dance by Johnson.

John Parsons was hilarious as the comic petty officer, Luther Billis and looked brilliant for the Honey Bun routine.  The military on the island were lead by Captain Brackett played by Rod Wheat – who is every inch the American Captain and whose acting and singing worked well with Paul Newton as Commander Harbison – a great pairing.

The main cast was well-supported by David Hand as Buzz Adams/Quale, Gavin Cook as Professor, Ian Donald as Stewpot and Tony Chapman as Henry McCaffrey along with Lisa Smith (Dinah Murphy) Jo Hageman (Genevieve & Shore Patrol) and Clare Cook (Janet McGregor).  Everyone gave their all to their roles including the two youngest performers Jack Woolley as Jerome and Emma Hall playing Ngana.  As the children of the de Becque, they were delightful and did exceptionally well at opening the show.

The eleven-piece band, under Musical Director Simon Percy, performed the fabulous score and most definitely helped to transport us from a bleak Scunthorpe to a tropical island in the South Pacific.   Direction was strong and congratulations should be given to Vicky Toward for her vision.  Becky Toward choreographed the routines which were well suited to the cast and I was particularly impressed with the sailors routines.  Congratulations to the Ensemble for taking on a variety of roles and demonstrating their versatility.

The set changes were very well managed by the cast and crew and the props were well made and appropriate.  The use of the ‘Company Street’ façade to introduce different set pieces was great.  Light and sound enhanced the production as did the costumes.  Congratulations to the Performers, Production Team, Backstage Crew, Front of House Team along with the Committee on a great production.

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