Music: Richard Rodgers

Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein

Director and choreographer: Louise Denison

Reviewer: Laura Stimpson

The Public Reviews Rating:

It’s usually a gamble going to see an amateur production of a full scale musical in a large, professional theatre, however from everything I’d heard about Leeds Amateur Operatic Society (LAOS) I had a feeling the odds of having an enjoyable evening were certainly in my favour.

LAOS was originally founded in 1890 and has continued going from strength to strength after its first performance of HMS Pinafore. The society now perform two shows a year in two of Leeds’ prestigious theatres, West Yorkshire Playhouse and the Grand theatre. Until 2nd April LAOS present South Pacific, performed for the first time in 1949 it is considered by many to be one of the greatest Broadway productions of all time, and was made into a film in 1958.

Through the use of clever sound effects and an amazing full scale set, we were soon transported to a beautiful Island in the south Pacific, complete with birds singing and waves splashing. It was clear from the outset that the performers were accompanied by excellent musicians, playing the overture beautifully, which really got the audience in the mood for a night of wonderful music.

It doesn’t take long to realise that the standard of members is very high. The first scene introduces us to the two main characters, Jonathan Penton as Emile de Becque and Gemma Durkin as Ensign Nellie Forbush. Nellie is a sweet, Naïve US Navy nurse from Arkinsas, she falls in love with the handsome de Becque, a French man trying to escape his past. Penton is outstanding throughout in his portrayal of de Becque, he would not look out of place in a leading role on the West End. His singing is phenomenal and sensitive and his acting really draws in the audience. Durkin plays an adorable, sweet Nellie Forbush, she has a beautiful singing voice and plays the part with ease.

All of the ensemble scenes are well choreographed by Louise Denison. The scenes by the sailors (Seebees) are amongst my favourite, they are very entertaining, their singing is very good and they all portray an individual identity through their actions and movement. The ‘Seebees’ are Led by Luther Bilis played by the wonderful Phil Hopkins, his popeye-esque accent helped portray a larger than life character, ducking and diving to make a few dollars, Hopkins made this role his own, with some humorous and enjoyable scenes throughout.

Bloody Mary played by Pat Bell, is mesmerising throughout the show; she plays a range of emotions effortlessly, with opening humour, scorn, excitement and hope. Her singing is good, and her stage presence excellent.

Although performed by an amateur group, at times you feel you are seeing a professional cast, I did, however, feel a little let down by the sound production. During the overture the orchestra was not well balanced and sounded like they were playing in a box, although this did settle, issues with balance between the orchestra and cast did detract at times, as you often couldn’t hear the cast and occasionally some of their speech was totally missed. These are only small niggles which I’m sure will be sorted out during the production run.

You cannot fail to leave the theatre without singing one of the many familiar songs you will hear including Bali Ha’I, I’m gunna wash that man right outta my hair, some enchanted evening and happy talk, Rodgers and Hammerstein really knew how to craft a good melody, and here they had them in abundance, this is the highlight of the musical, as occasionally the book itself is a little weak, the Music is outstanding though.

A wonderful musical with an exceptional amateur cast very well directed and choreographed. I certainly had an ‘enchanted evening’.

Runs until 2nd April 2011.

 

South Pacific - West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, 4.8 out of 5 based on 5 ratings

Tags: David Bennison-Pedley, Gemma Durkin, Jim Lunt, John Trenouth, Jonathan Penton, LAOS, Linda Trenouth, Louise Denison, Musical, Pat Bell, Phil Hopkins, Rodgers and Hammerstein, scenic projects ltd., West Yorkshire Playhouse