THEATRE REVIEW: South Pacific - The Grand Theatre, Leeds

We live in such rapidly changing times with seemingly one crisis after another and constant reassessment of values and identities. In the face of all this, it's reassuring that some things remain constant and solid and one such item is surely the enduring popularity of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musicals. These big shows all hark back to another era, both in subject matter and delivery, with 'South Pacific', set in the middle of World War Two, actually being the nearest to our own times. It is classic Rodgers and Hammerstein, set against a large backdrop with calamitous world events but focussing on a few very human relationships. It is this simple formula that helps make their works timeless, coupled with a plethora of remarkably memorable songs.

Chichester Festival Theatre pulled all the stops out to do 'South Pacific' full justice with a very grandiose production that took full advantage of the cavernous stage afforded by Leeds Grand. A corrugated metal backdrop provided a simple but effective statement of military life in an outlying base whilst an impressive array of sets transported the audience from a pacific beach to a military intelligence base to a luxurious house. A huge Stars and Stripes painted on metal was particularly effective as a makeshift military theatre. A number of added touches as such cooling fans lowered from the ceiling really brought over the atmosphere of a sub-tropical environment, aided by imaginative lighting effects.

The casting for this production was spot on with Julian Ovenden as the reclusive Frenchman Emile and Gine Beck as the gregarious Nellie (although Ovenden didn't look quite as much ‘the older man’ as the script suggested). There were some very funny and effective supporting performances, notably Douggie McMeekin, very funny as Luther, the ‘big guy’ amongst the GIs and Stephen John David, who absolutely nailed the matcho Commander Willian Harbison.

The core of plot has many echoes of the later 'Sound Of Music', with a widower living with his children having his life affected by war and entering into an unlikely romance. The dancing sequences however really set 'South Pacific' apart, whether lovesick GIs, feisty American servicewomen or enchanting Polynesians girls. This show also has the Big Band sound that was the hallmark of the 1940s. It was not by chance that Morecombe and Wise chose ‘There Is Nothing Like A Dame’ as a highlight of one of their classic '70’s shows; it must be one of the catchiest musical songs ever written. At the other end of the scale, and ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ has all the bearings of one the great crooners songs a-la Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin. Even punk rock star Captain Sensible from The Damned had a hit from 'South Pacific' with ‘Happy Talk’!

The show, not surprisingly, got a standing ovation and audience members could be heard humming some the show’s songs as they left the theatre. This was a stunning theatre spectacle with vibrant costumes, great choreography and a strong storyline. 'South Pacific' is a feelgood show that had something to say to us today, essentially about making the best of things during difficult times. It does have great songs and dance routines but there are genuinely moving and thought-provoking moments as well. A good example was when Emile asked of the American officers ‘I understand what you are against but what are you for?' It was not a question that could answered easily. All told, this was a consummate great night out.

Reviewer - John Waterhouse
on - 1.11.22