South Pacific Review (From the Alex Theatre on Tuesday 27th September 2022)

Julian Ovenden and Gina Beck star as Emile De Becque and Nellie Forbush respectively in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s production of South Pacific at The Alex Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 1st October 2022.

Rhys Beardmore | Wednesday 28th September 2022 10:35am

Review by Neil Cox for Switch Radio

 Set during the dark days of World War II in the South Pacific this epic love story sees love blossom between a young nurse and a Frenchman who is being courted for a daring and dangerous military mission. An empowering rendition of ‘Nothing like a Dame’ (very reminiscent of the 1977 Morecambe and Wise sketch). 

Opening with sensational lighting and sound effects of an island. Lead female singer Joanna Ampil (character: Bloody Mary) hooked you in during the song early into the performance. A live orchestra added to and created atmospheric moments. The interrogation scene with the three officers and Miss Forbush, a very humorous moment with reference to age.

The song ‘I’m gonna wash that man right outa my hair’ blew the roof off in this show stopping colourful dazzler! It was sensational shower song scene.
It felt like my own personal performance from Gina Beck as she sang towards and directly at the audience.

Mesmeric moments of dance and song capturing / sending you into a dream like status. Every inch of stage covered in dance n song. Wow! A stage with a revolving ‘Stars & Stripes’ flag! Staggering & Stunning! The powerful voice of Ovenden; almost operatic. You could hear a pin drop! Douggie Mcmeekin, a comical genius!   Elegant solo dancing from Sera Maehara with passion and vigour against a scene of colour,  lights and lanterns. Astonishingly atmospheric!

First night ended with a standing ovation!

Highly recommended. 

What a captivating evening and thank you again to The Alex for hosting such a memorable performance!

(Image credits: ATG Tickets)

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