For an older musical it was the first time I’d seen South Pacific last night at the Theatre Royal Nottingham.
I was kind of looking forward to it. I say ‘kind of’ because I never have great expectations from older musicals. They can be a little slower paced than today’s offerings, but I thought there’d be a few good songs I knew sang live (turns out one I was expecting was from Mutiny on The Bounty – whatever happened to that? anyway, I digress) and it would be a cheery little autumn night out.
Well, let me tell you, reader. I was pleasantly surprised, in fact I loved it! For a story that is dated to say the least, not only in the time period it’s set, World War 2, but in the characters’ beliefs, this 2022 production from The Chichester Festival Theatre has scrubbed up rather well. If it was a car you’d perhaps say it was sympathetically restored, maybe fitted with a better engine to give it more oomph.
Other than the obvious storyline issues, it hasn’t got that dated feel about it. Largely thanks to a fantastic set which gives it a cinematic feel and fills the stage, which is transformed with a corrugated iron effect outer within which the sets drop in and even innovatively rotates adding movement to busy scenes and also cleverly drama to the slower poignant moments.
The vocal performances too are to be applauded (literally). On the whole they sound fresh and modern. They haven’t tried to replicate that original Rodgers & Hammerstein sound. They sound as current as they can given the circumstances and storyline.
A showcase for the works of Rodgers and Hammersteins, the show includes the hits Some Enchanted Evening, Bali Ha’i, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair (complete with infamous shower blocks). and of course Happy Talk – which if you’re of a certain age you really want to speed up to the Captain Sensible version, but which in hindsight doing so would lose the power and desperation behind it – something I’d never realised from hearing the jolly 80’s ditty. Joanna Ampil as Bloody Mary sings it beautifully, and is one of the stand out actors and characters of the production. She brilliantly portrays the many sides of the character. Tough on the outside, but with that strong and defiant motherly love. She also provides comedy along with Douggie McMeekin as Luther Billis.
Others to mention are leading lady Gina Beck who gives a fantastic performance as the likeable Ensign Nellie Forbush, who becomes more likeable when she becomes a better version of herself in time for the final curtain. Her love interest is secretive french man Emile De Becque, played by Downton Abbey’s Julian Ovenden who too demonstrates an amazing voice in This Nearly Was Mine
The story is set on a South Pacific Island where we see not just the love story of our lead characters navigated against the backdrop of World War Two, but also US Marine Lieutenant, Joseph, and Tonkinese girl, Liat.
Get comfy, the first act is long. I think I’ve seen shorter musicals, but nevertheless enjoyable. It doesn’t drag, although by the second act which is more dialogue heavy you might get a little fidgety. Superb acting by the whole cast in Daniel Evan’s wonderful production gets you through numbers which at times you feel could have been missed out.
Overall though it’s big, it’s powerful, it’s reworked whilst retaining the ‘falling asleep on a sunday afternoon in front of the telly charm ‘of the film version.
An enchanting evening out. Don’t miss it.
Book here
SOUTH PACIFIC
Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 October
Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Wed & Thu matinees 2pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm
Theatre Royal Nottingham
Experience the critically acclaimed, landmark production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific direct from the West End. This powerful love story, set on a South Pacific island during World War ll, is brought thrillingly to life in an epic new five-star production directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Daniel Evans
£22.50 – £65 plus discounts for Royal Members*, Under 26s, and Groups
Review by Tanya Louise
Editor
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