South Pacific

In spite of the welcome trend to stage ‘modern musicals’ tenuously linked to a `cult` film, book or band as soon as they are released for amateur theatre, it’s refreshing to see classics such as these still figuring in society programmes. Apparently South Pacific is in almost constant production around the world, and judging by the near full house of young and old alike at the production I saw, will be so for a long time to come. It`s a story which, at its heart deals with feelings, factual details, loss and racism yet all done to a splendiferous score of great solos, duets and chorus numbers leaving the audience humming the songs long after leaving the theatre.

The large cast, too many to mention everyone unfortunately, was led by Emile de Becque, played by Steve Low, comfortably playing Emile as suave, unassuming, understated and vocally conversant with the  well-known numbers.

Eleanor Fonth played the role of Nellie Forbush with an eagerness and “cockeyed optimism” plain for all to see. Eleanor`s portrayal of Nellie was excellent with effortless accent, singing and dancing. She was perfectly cast and very comfortable in her characterisation, apparently her first leading role with this group- on this showing, methinks it won`t be the last.

Emile`s children Ngana and Jerome (Alice Payne and Max Burrow on the night I saw it), and his servant Henry/Radio Operative McCaffery (Jim Robson) played their parts well. I am assured Nerissa Blatchley and Amos Rand (whom I didn`t see) played their roles of Ngana and Jerome equally as well.

Simon McCleery delivered a solid performance as Lt Joseph Cable, who upon arriving on the Island for a secret mission, falls in love with a Young Tonkinese woman, Liat (Daisy Skyrme) soon lamenting his loss when he realises he can’t marry her — their `bedroom` scene was carefully played and lit, unambiguous but not distasteful.

Ann Heap played a great “Bloody Mary” (the Tonkinese equivalent of the “lookie, lookie” man) well, relishing the role and the lines afforded to her- some exceptionally so, Stingy ….. need I say more?

As Luther Billis, the American Navy’s answer to Bloody Mary, Mark Payne gave an enthusiastic and confident performance, didn`t win the girl, but did win over the audience. Capt. Brackett (Mick Malkin) and Cmdr. Harbison (Alastair Rae) made a good duo. The chorus of Ensigns, Marines and Seabees were great, both vocally and in characterisation, creating secure support to the whole production.

The set was simple in design, and really effective-it wasn`t until I`d had a closer inspection of the set I realised how it had been achieved- Colin Burrow and Dan Irving, take a bow. It`s good to see groups being so creative and innovative with their sets and using every inch (or lack thereof) of space.

The lighting was effective creating the hues of a Pacific sunset/sunrise.  Sound was good, though my only criticism (and only a slight one) would have been that sometimes the pre-recorded sounds masked the voices of the people onstage, not those with mics, though this could have been easily remedied by moving folk next to people wearing them.

Choreography (Gail Low) was good, effective and made use of the whole stage, not only keeping all the women in time but the men too (no mean feat). 

The orchestra under Musical Director, Jane Thedham, brought life to the score- a couple of the chorus numbers `felt` a little slower than I remember them- but that really is me nit-picking.
Director Jean Malkin must be extremely proud of this production and has every right to be.

This was a very good production of a classic show – whilst it`s good to wear and show off a pair of brand new sparkly shoes it`s just as comforting to sit back and wear a nice warm, comfortable pair of slippers once in a while.

Well done to the company and all concerned and thank you for your hospitality.
 

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