Review: SOUTH PACIFIC, Chichester Festival Theatre
For a show that received its debut in 1949, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific feels amazingly relevant in 2021 and this production, artfully staged by Chichester Festival Theatre, does credit to a musical which combines classic show tunes, with a much deeper message about racial tolerance.
The ensemble cast are a delight to watch, singing and dancing their way through some of the show’s best loved numbers, performed by a truly first class orchestra. Highlights include the famous ‘Nothing Like a Dame’ and a fantastically fun and colourful version of ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’.
The stunning vocals of Gina Beck and Julian Ovenden, playing Nellie Forbush and Emile de Becque respectively, are a real treat and instantly invest us in their relationship. It’s ‘Younger Than Springtime’ that really steals the limelight in Act One. Making fantastic use of the revolving stage and surrounded by burning lights, Rob Houchen and Sera Maehara make the beautiful choreography (by Ann Yee) look effortless.
The cleverly crafted set, impeccable lighting and in keeping costume design all add up to a visual treat, and when the curtain comes down at the end of Act One, it is hard to believe we have been entranced for 90 minutes- time flies in the South Pacific!
The (much shorter) second act is over all too soon, with more beautifully performed numbers, and it is during this act that the theme of entrenched racism is really highlighted. Lieutenant Cable, masterfully performed by Rob Houchen, brings real gravitas to the situation while singing ‘You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught’. This number and the important social message it conveys feels so incredibly relevant after some of the news headlines about the awful racist acts and comments we have been seeing over the past week since the European Football Championship Finals. Live performance reflecting real life and carrying an important and timely message to a very receptive audience. The eventual realisation by Nellie that love is stronger than any kind of hate compounds the moral of the story.
The programme for the production mentions the challenges of creating work during Covid-19. This production was due to take place last year and there are times when these constraints are visible. For example, the cast come through the auditorium at a few different points in the show and are wearing face masks but thanks to some fantastic costume design, these moments blend seamlessly into the production and are barely given more than a passing thought. How used to them we have all become!
South Pacific proves that high quality work can be produced - and enjoyed - no matter what restrictions are in place. It is the perfect antidote to post-lockdown blues. Bravo all at CFT for a wonderful, covid-safe experience.
**** 4 Stars
Review by: Sarah Brown
South Pacific runs at Chichester Festival Theatre until 5 September. For more information and to book tickets, please click here.