Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific makes a welcome return to Glasgow as part of a new production currently on tour across the UK. Originally debuting on Broadway in 1949, the powerful love story has delighted audiences worldwide for over with many successful revival tours, television adaptions and the classic film version in 1958.
Set in the midst of World War II on a remote island, the US Navy troops are growing tired and weary as Japanese forces appear to dominate the battle. They are missing romance in their lives after the local women were shipped off to Bali Ha’i for their safety. The story focuses on two intercultural love stories, the first between Arkansas US Navy recruit Nellie Forbush (Gina Beck) who reluctantly falls head over heels in love with an older, widowed French plantation owner Emile de Becque (Julian Ovenden).
The second appears when US Lieutenant Cable (Rob Houchen) arrives as part of a spy mission to turn the tide on the Japanese and falls in love with the beautiful islander Liat (Sera Maehara), the daughter of the fiesty Bloody Mary (Joanna Ampil). However as their love faces cultural and racial challenges which threatens to ruin their happiness, there is also the underlying threat of war as the battle between the US and Japanese forces reaches its peak, jeopardising this island paradise…
With a full orchestra performance led by Musical Director Jon Laird, classic showstoppers such as There is Nothing Like A Dame and I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair brought an energy to the stage complimented with the softer moments of the show such as Some Enchanted Evening and I’m in Love with A Wonderful Guy.
Beck and Ovenden had beautiful on stage chemistry together as the musical love story played out with one of the stand out performances of the night from Ovenden as he delivered a suitably sombre performance of This Nearly Was Mine.
The hilarity, romance and classic musical numbers make for an enjoyable and engaging production.
South Pacific at Theatre Royal until 8 October
