South Pacific is a must to see (From Gazette Series)

South Pacific is a must to see

10:01am Wednesday 23rd November 2011 in Leisure By Liza-Jane Gillespie

SOUTH Pacific truly is an enchanted evening of pure entertainment.

The Lincoln Centre Theatre Production of the Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical has opened this week for a two-week run at the Bristol Hippodrome.

Audiences yet to see the show are in for a night to remember with outstanding performances from the entire cast – this production cannot be faulted.

Samantha Womack delivers a strong and convincing performance as the American ensign Nellie Forbush whose values and ideals are challenged by her love for French plantation owner Emile de Becque.

Her impressive vocal performances will also leave people with no doubt that she is much more than just an actress.

South Pacific is set on several Pacific islands during World War Two where the US Navy mix with local people.

The almost three-hour show handles social prejudices of the time and racism, as well as the unfolding plots of two love stories and the drama of war.

However, with this production of South Pacific it is fair to say it is the male cast members who steal the show.

Jason Howard’s performance of de Becque, a character torn between his love for Nellie, his children and helping the war, was moving. His voice with solos such as Some Enchanted Evening and This Nearly Was Mine silenced the auditorium.

Another former Eastenders’ star Alex Ferns also delivers a surprisingly enjoyable performance as Luther Billis, providing comic relief, and along with the 20 or so fellow Seabees gave the production a real injection of fun.

South Pacific will run at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday, December 3.