South Pacific

This iconic and ground breaking show is widely regarded as among the very best ever written.   With its sumptuous melodies and the head-on tackling of racism, it was a sensation on Broadway when it opened in 1949.

Set during the Pacific war against the Japanese during WW2, the American accents and manners are a huge challenge for any amateur British company to produce.    It requires a spacious  stage with a large and talented cast most of whom should be young enough to be of fighting age.    It also needs a top class band.    How fortunate then that HMOS were well blessed in all these areas.

The plot revolves around Emile de Becque, an urbane Frenchman of mature years who fled France 40 years previously, having killed a man.    Now settled on a South Pacific island and living in his luxurious plantation home, he falls in love with a young  US Navy nurse, Ensign Nellie Forbush.   Though loving him in return, she finds herself quite unable to accept his previous marriage to a Polynesian woman, now dead.   Though this may seem faintly absurd to bien pensant audiences today, at the time it was truly radical.

The show opened with Emile's two "mixed race" young children Ngana and Jerome, charmingly played by sister and brother Bibi and Maxwell Jackson.   They sang the famous song "Dites-Moi" soulfully and touchingly and were both marvellous throughout.

Katy Jackson as Nellie, who adored Emile's children, was played with charisma and grace in a bravura performance.   She had a fine voice, moved beautifully and had the best American accent and (sexist comment alert) the best legs in the show ...... how else is a poor reviewer of mature years supposed to express the plain truth!

Jeff Raggett as Emile brought a gravitas and truth to the leading role.   He was totally authentic with a superb, even thrilling singing voice.   He brought a poise quite in keeping with this serious minded mature character.   His two show-stopper songs "Some Enchanted Evening" and "This Nearly was Mine" were wonderful and he showed comic flair with his encore of Nellie's "I'm Gonna Wash That man ....".

Richard Roberts as Lt. Joe Cable, newly arrived on the island imbued this complex character with the veracity and passion required.    His scenes with Liat were extremely touching and he too had a fine voice.

Sandra Mortimer played Bloody Mary just right.   Her singing of "Bali  Ha'i" and "Happy Talk" were a delight and she pitched this artful, warm hearted character to perfection.    Her daughter Liat was prettily and sensitively played by Sofia Guerriero.

An actor I liked very much and one to watch out for was George Caporn as Luther Billis.   he fizzed with energy, sang and moved well and oozed charisma.  

David Stewart as Capt. George Brackett and Mark Mowbray as Cmdr. William Harbison both played their roles with the necessary authority.

The big production numbers were imaginatively choreographed and danced under the tuition of Sarah Platt. - "There is Nothing Like a Dame", "I'm Gonna Wash That Man  Right Outa My Hair" and "Honey Bun" crackled with energy with the well drilled company excelling.

The sets were well designed and scene changes handled with speed and care.   Emile's house was particularly effective with its trellising and the Naval Command centre also impressed.   Costumes under the eagle eye of Gill Varon were correct and well fitted.   I particularly liked the island children.    Hair and make up were of good standard.

Lighting and sound played an important role in this show and were professionally handled.   I heard every syllable of every song, a somewhat unusual occurrence in amateur theatre.

The orchestra under Brian D Steel did full justice to this wonderful score, always fully supporting, but never drowning out the singing.

But the palm must go to the highly experienced director John  Harries-Rees, whose programme notes mentioned that "he hoped to do justice to the audience and to this award-winning creation".    Not so much justice, but more a triumph.   John, I salute you.

I must compliment the informative and interesting programme, packed with good quality photos, cast notes and a whole comprehensive page about NODA and our aims, together with  our crest.

It was a privilege to see and review this wonderful production and I thank HMOS for their kindness and warm welcome.

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