South Pacific

I do love this Musical, it has all the elements to make it an enjoyable show and, once again, TOPS have shown that they are a talented bunch of performers.  Director Ann Sullivan can always be relied upon to produce the best from her cast and that was, indeed, the case for this production,

Leading lady Angela Phillips (Nellie Forbush) showed all the facets of the character and gave a great performance.  I knew that she was suffering from a back injury but, apart from the careful way she moved on occasions, it didn’t show in her performance, well done.  Her real-life husband David Phillips played Emile Du Becque and her two children, Rose and Oliver played the two children in the performance that I watched.  David has a great voice and fully did the songs justice.  His acting was completely believable and together they made a strong lead team.  Rose (particularly) and Oliver were delightful to watch and clearly have their parent’s talent!

Dawn Peat (playing Bloody Mary) was perfect, she does play this type of part well and Tosin Thompson was lovely as her daughter Liat.  Matthew Capp played Lt Joseph Cable with great confidence and his singing is always admired.  Rob Morley played Luther Billis and his performance was thoroughly enjoyable, getting the balance between clown and serious just right.

There is a long list of characters in the show and I simply do not have space to mention them all.  However as characters, and as the ensemble, this is a well drilled and enthusiastic company who can be relied upon to provide an excellent evening’s entertainment.

The scenery was excellent, unfortunately no credits appear in the programme but well done to all those involved in providing it.  This theatre is very difficult as it has very limited wing space and no flying.  However TOPS, as always, proved to be inventive and the scenes were well dressed.

Costumes were well designed and completely appropriate to the period and the show.  I would have liked to see a bit more atmospheric lighting but that is being really picky!  The band, small but perfectly formed, were beautifully led by MD Alan Watts.  They never masked the dialogue and that isn’t easy given their location in the auditorium.  The cast were brought into their songs on cue and Alan conducts with enthusiasm and complete enjoyment of the performance.

Another successful production for TOPS, well done.

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