Review: South Pacific, Grand Opera House

11:18am Thursday 13th March 2008

Helena Blackman, BBC's How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? runner-up, did her theatrical reputation a great deal of justice in Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific.

Blackman won over the audience early on with her refreshing and quirky performance as Nellie Forbush.

The actress gave a spotless effort throughout the lengthy show and impressed largely with her ability to take on a difficult American accent and a beautiful singing range.

The South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein's most celebrated musical, follows two love stories on a Pacific island during the Second World War II. A runaway French plantation owner called Emile de Becque (Dave Willetts) pursues the naïve US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush. The relationship, though cute and seemingly perfect, has numerous skeletons in the closet one of which is a deep rooted prejudice in Nellie's heart against the Polynesian people. The question of whether racism is part of our DNA or an external issue underlines the script.

The show had two backdrops both huge in size. The first backdrop was a 1940s stars and stripes, which was often substituted by a large map of the Pacific Islands. Sizeable palm trees stretched way back into the stage to create a convincing South Pacific feel.

Theatre stalwart Dave Willetts gave another sound account of his acting ability with a modest yet solid performance of Emile de Becque. His presence was yet again a powerful one partly due to him having the most grounded singing voice on stage.

The actor also had a decent stab at the French accent and caused the audience to nod corporately as he maintained the accent in each of his well-known songs. The chemistry between the two leads was very uplifting, though a bit cheesy in parts.

One of the gems in the show was the notorious woman Bloody Mary. Played by Sheila Francisco, it really added something to the flow of the piece. Francisco nailed the character completely, often leaving the audience in stitches.

The US Navy sailors engaged with the audience with great choreographed routines and cracking banter. The classic songs, including Some Enchanted Evening, There Is Nothing Like a Dame and I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair, were performed well, accompanied by a highly talented orchestra.

• South Pacific, Grand Opera House, York, until Saturday. Box office: 0844 847 2322

Alex Willmott

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