South Pacific (Musical) At Edinburgh Festival Theatre Review

Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie

WARNING: Flashing lights; Racial inferences

Many have heard of ‘South Pacific (Musical)’ it is one of those we casually label as ‘it’s a classic’. I’m no different! But after seeing this masterpiece on stage; it made me realise that even though it premiered in 1949 on Broadway, it is still very prevalent in today’s times. It brings out the learnt prejudices we have against those who are different to us; but through love and acceptance we can overcome and live in beautiful harmony.

It is set during WW2 when the GIs were stationed on an island in the South Pacific. A naïve US Navy nurse from the ‘sticks’, Little Rock, Arkansas, Nellie (Gina Beck) has fallen in love with a French plantation owner Emile de Becque (Julian Ovenden) even though they had only recently met at the Officers club dance and were attracted to each other.
Julian Ovenden as Emile won the hearts of the audience, who whooped and called out ‘Bravo, Bravo’ with his magnificent voice singing Some Enchanted Evening.

The Seabees, led by crafty Luther Billis (Douggie McMeekin) are musing over the absence of available women on the island as the Navy Nurses are off-limits. The one civilian woman, sassy middle-aged Tonkinese vendor of grass skirts nicknamed ‘Bloody Mary’. With sarcastic, flirtatious banter she tries to sell her wares and tells of an island nearby called Bali-Ha’I. Billis yearns to visit this island to witness the Boar’s Tooth Ceremony, where he can get unusual native artifacts; but the other sailors mock him saying he is only interested in the young French women there.

When an US Marine Lieutenant, Cable (Rob Houchen) is sent to the island to lead a dangerous spy mission that could change the war against Japan. After a meeting with the commanding officers, they plan to ask Emile to help with the mission as he has lived on the island where the mission is to take place. Having heard rumours that Nellie has met up with Emile and would be the best person to find out more about him; his political views and why he left France. Emile had already told Nellie he fled France because he had killed a man because this man was awful and a bully holding his village in bondage.

Nellie has confided with the other nurses she intends to end her relationship with Emile. The sing a very upbeat ‘I’m going to wash that man right outta my hair’ – the set was set up with running water showers that were drums which needed filling.

I loved this scene as it reminded me so much of visiting my late grandfather who went prospecting and the shower was set up like this. Safe to say, with this catchy tune and vivid memories of days gone by, this scene was one of my favourites.

Emile arrives unexpectedly and invites Nellie to a party held specially to introduce her to his friends; she accepts. It is at the end of this successful party that Emile declares his love and asks Nellie to marry him; she then says they don’t know much about each other, and she asks him about politics and again about the man he murdered. Nellie agrees to marry him.

The Navy ask Emile to be Cable’s guide on the mission to land on a Japanese held island; but he refuses. The Commander tells Cable to go on leave until they can arrange for the mission to go ahead. Billis uses Cable’s name to secure a boat to go to the forbidden island of Bali Ha’I. When they got to the island Billis went off to participate in the native ceremony; Bloody Mary introduces Cable to her beautiful daughter Liat; they are instantly attracted to each other. Bloody Mary is delighted as she believes that Liat needs to marry and American Officer to have a better life.
Liat (Sera Maehara) was mesmerising as she gracefully danced – her motions were so fluid; her body spoke the language of love. As Cable and Liat danced together it was beautiful to watch as their love story unfolded.
When Emile introduces Jerome and Ngana to Nellie, she is shocked when he tells her that they are from his deceased first wife, a dark-skinned Polynesian woman. Nellie tells Emile that she can’t marry him now as she is unable to overcome her deep-seated racial prejudices.

For Thanksgiving Nellie with others have arranged a show of singing and dancing. The highlight being Billis dressed in grass skirt and coconut bra does his part to bring jeers and laughter, not only to those in the performance but also to the audience.

Cable leaves hospital (against orders) after having a serious bout of malaria to be with Liat. They spend every free moment together; Bloody Mary is happy and urges them to marry. But Cable, aware of his family’s prejudices says he can’t marry Liat.

After the show Emile asks Nellie to reconsider, but because of his half- Polynesian children she cannot feel the same way anymore. Emile asks Cable why he and Nellie have these prejudices and feelings; Cable is hating himself because of it and replies ‘It’s not something you’re born with, it is ingrained as part of their upbringing.’

Emile finally agrees to go with Cable on his dangerous mission; it has a lot of support. Offstage, Billis stows away on the plane, but when it is hit by anti-aircraft fire, he ends up falling out and into the ocean requiring rescuing. This massive rescue operation becomes a diversion that allows Emile and Cable to land on the other side of the island undetected. They manage to send back reports on Japanese ships; letting the American aircraft intercept and destroy them. During battle Cable is killed and Emile only just manages to escape.

Nellie learns of Cable’s death and that Emile is missing. She realises how fickle she has been rejecting him. Bloody Mary and Liat approach Nellie to find out where Cable is and they are told of his death. Nellie does her best to comfort them.

The war rages on and all the troops are in battle. Nellie goes to be with the children, and they teach her to sing ‘Dites-Moi’, suddenly Emile’s voice joins them. Nellie has overcome the way she felt and has fallen in love with the children as they all rejoice together.

Rating: 5/5

The show is on from Tuesday 25th October 2022 until Saturday 29th October 2022

Tickets cost from £28.50

For more information or to book tickets please visit South Pacific (capitaltheatres.com) or phone the box office on 0131 529 6000

13/29 Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT