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South Pacific, Theatre Royal, Brighton, until May 3
Rogers and Hammerstein's
great musical is set during
World War II and deals with
issues of racism. In 1959 when the show opened these were subjects not normally found in a musical comedy.
Two love stories unfold against the backdrop of idyllic tropical islands
at a time of uncertainty and conflict. Nellie Forbush,
a young nurse, falls for Emil de Becque but is unable
to marry him when she discovers he has children
by a Polynesian mother.
Similarly, naval officer Joe Cable has difficulty reconciling marriage and his love for island girl Liat. Both Joe and Nellie battle to give way to prejudices engrained
in them since childhood.
Woven around their stories
is life on the naval base which features plenty of comedy from Billis, a sailor always on the make, and Bloody Mary, a local trader.
Christopher Howell gives
a full-blooded performance
as the scheming sailor whilst Sheila Francisco delights
with her wickedly funny portrayal as Mary.
Dave Willetts makes a fine
de Becque, singing both touchingly and with power.
As Nellie, Helena Blackman
is charming and manages
to successfully blend comic naive gaucheness with the heartbreak of romance.
Most impressive was the singing of Ian McLarnon
as Joe Cable in two contrasting numbers - the lyrical Younger Than Springtime and the angry song about prejudice, You've Got To Be Carefully Taught.
The ensemble provides excellent support with energetic dance routines and rousing chorus numbers.
The production is a lively one, marred occasionally by the overuse of coarse gestures.
Call 08700 606650
12:09pm Tuesday 29th April 2008
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