The real strength of this production lies in its characterisation. By virtue of some intelligent performances we really enter the minds, and feel the pains, of the main protagonists. Samantha Womack is delightful as the US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush, expressing subtle emotions and constantly responding to everything around her. lf Paulo Szot is a little too knowing as the dignified Frenchman, Emile De Becque, his performance is highly engaging and his rendition of ‘This Nearly was Mine’ an undoubted highlight of the evening. Daniel Koek gives another excellent vocal performance as the Lieutenant on a mission, Joseph Cable, while Alex Ferns provides abundant comedy as the maverick ‘Seebee’ Luther Billis. Loretta Ables Sayre is also a splendid Bloody Mary who brings much gravitas to the superficially buoyant ‘Happy Talking’.
Whether this production is for you may depend on what you seek visually from South Pacific or indeed any musical. Speaking for ourselves, however, we found the performances so convincing that our spines were tingling throughout most of Act Two.
Pretty much sums up the cast and show and probably the best review i have read with NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS WHAT SO EVER