South Pacific

There is nothing like a great R&H show – wonderful melodies, colourful stage settings, dramatic plots, memorable characters – and “South Pacific” has them all. Despite its war-time setting, this is always a happy show to view and this production made for a memorable night out! This year, the Society moved from the local theatre (because of upgrading work) and took to the North Inch Community Campus for their annual production – and a fine move it turned out to be. The couple with the main love story both turned in polished performances. Nurse Ensign Nellie Forbush, was superbly played by a sparkling Jillian Balfour, showing the naivety required for her role when she falls in love with French plantation owner, Emile de Becque, brought strongly to the stage by an experienced Jonathan Cammidge. Both players made the most of their famous musical numbers - heard to great effect in their “Twin Soliloquies", “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Cockeyed Optimist”. Despite its wartime setting, comedy is dispersed throughout and this was in the safe hands of crafty Seebee Luther Billis (Christie Young) always trying to outwit the sassy, native wheeler-dealer Bloody Mary, played with great effect by Nicola Hay.  Her famous “Bali Ha’I” was an absolute joy, while Billis, accompanied by Nellie, both performed an outstanding “Honey Bun” number in the Thanksgiving Follies Revue. The secondary love story concerns young Lieutenant Cable, who is attracted to Mary’s daughter, Liat. This gentle romance was acted with great tenderness by newcomer Ross James Martin making a great impression as Lt. Joe Cable – his “Younger Than Springtime” was absolutely spot on – and he was supported by a charming Kirsty Walton in the smaller role of Liat. The chorus of Nurses and American Sailors all robustly played their part in the show’s success in their big “Wash that Man” and “Nothing Like A Dame“ numbers. In the additional cast roles, Craig Mckirgan and Gavin Russell provided great teamwork as Captain Brackett and Commander Harbison. Finally, one must not forget the sterling work of the upcoming “stars” of tomorrow - the young people who played de Becque’s children Jerome and Ngana (Connor Jackson / Eilidh Finlayson) – and it is a big well done to them.

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