South Pacific

Classic musical retains sunny charm in hands of Little Theatre Company SOUTH Pacific almost defines the term classic musical. Decade after decade goes by, but this show and its music never loses its magic grip. The setting may be the Pacific theatre of the Second World War in 1943, but the powerful themes – the corrosive effects of racism, and the way that war changes people – are universal and stay as relevant as ever. But it would be wrong to lay excessive stress on the serious undercurrents. This remains one of the most entertaining shows in show business. South Pacific has been staged so many times in Southend it almost merits a long-term tenancy agreement, but Little Theatre Company’s splendid cast deliver as memorable a production as I have seen. First-time director Scott Roche shows real flair, and manages to add some inventive new details to the evergreen show. Note, for instance, the way he deploys the heads of two bald Seabees during There is Nothing Like a Dame. The familiar double-act of Sharon and Paul Allwright, last seen in the Mack and Mabel title roles, shine once again as the ebullient nurse Nellie Forbush, the “hick from the sticks” transplanted to a tropical island, and her broody squeeze, the French island planter Emile de Becque. Sharon and Paul’s children Hannah and Amy appear on three nights, and no doubt their neighbours and postman are in the chorus line. Stonking comic support is provided by Dave Lobley as Luther Billis, Seabee and brazen wheeler-dealer, but the Echo’s Southend Winkle award for effortless scene-stealing has to go to Sally Lightfoot, who is marvellous as Bloody Mary, the Tonkinese dame who gives Luther a run for his money in the dodgy entrepreneur stakes. George Kemp is a real discovery for the musical stage. The role of Lieutenant Cable, who brings a taste of real war to the Sideshow tropical island, some-times comes across as rather wooden, but he brings passion and power to the part. For those who have never seen South Pacific, Little Theatre Company offers an excellent induction. For those who have seen it 50 times, it more than deserves a 51st visit. Tom King, Echo News