"South Pacific" by Chichester Festival Theatre

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

1949 saw the original Broadway production of the Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II penned musical, and it's still as endearing, beautiful and important, socially today as it was at that time.

Set during World War 2, Lieutenant Cable and his marines are stationed on a Polynesian island where they mix with the locals. Nurse Nellie has eyes for French exile Emile de Beque, who’s been living there for over a decade. She likes Emile but is not willing to accept his Polynesian children; a sign of the racist times of that era.

Cable travels to the hypnotic island of Bali Hai and is introduced to Bloody Mary's daughter, the gorgeous Liat, and falls in love with her. Bloody Mary wants them to marry but there is another man in the frame as her suitor, plus Cable rejects the marriage offer as he has a love back home in America.

The army want Emile to help them with an undercover operation, which is why Lieutenant Cable has been flown in. After Nellie rejects him due to his history with a "coloured" woman, resulting in his two children, he decides to co-operate with the operation and report back to the military. He travels across by submarine with Cable, but not everything goes to plan with the operation.

Julian Ovenden is Emile de Beque and has an incredible voice, whether listening on CD or experiencing that voice in a live theatrical setting, is an absolute joy. His physical characterisation of the role makes him look older than Nellie, the way it should be. If it were not for this aspect of the character Julian would not seem as old as his character is supposed to be, being youthful of face. A perfect piece of casting as Julian as an actor as he really paces his performance as the lovelorn Frenchman.

Gina Bell plays Ensign Nellie Forbush, who seems to bring a fresh approach to her role. Her vocals are gorgeous with plenty of light and shade and what power and control she has.

The main trio is completed by Rob Houchen, who I've been aware of for several years, playing Lieutenant Joseph Cable. As with Julian, he can belt out a song when required, and like Ovenden, has the ability to create goosebumps with his powerful and controlled vocals.

Joanna Ampil is absolutely wonderful as Bloody Mary, delivering some beautifully timed comic one liners. She brings forth a loving character who wants just the best life possible for her daughter Liat.

Sera Maehara plays Liat, Bloody Mary's daughter, who Mary is eager to marry off to Cable. Sera is a wonderfully expressive dancer and shows off an obvious love of contemporary dance.

Dougie McMeekin played Luther Billis on Tuesday night, the main comedy element of the male contingent of the show. This is especially showcased in the song "Honey Bun".

David Birrell plays Captain George Brackett, Stephen John Davis plays Commander William Harbison, Antoine Murray-Straughan plays Stewpot, Charlie Waddell as Professor and Olly Christopher as Sergeant Johnson.

The soundtrack is crammed with musical theatre classics, "Bali Hai", "Younger Than Springtime", "Some Enchanted Evening", "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair", "I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy", "Happy Talk" - which takes on a slightly different feel here with a gorgeously stripped back and slowed down arrangement, and "There Is Nothing Like A Dame" all warm the cockles of my musical theatre heart. The 1940's racially tinged "You've Got To Be Carefully Taught" is also another song that seems to take on a more modern meaning in today's performance; a really underestimated part of the soundtrack.

The production boasts a full orchestra which makes the soundtrack sound so lush. Musically directed by Cat Beveridge with the new orchestral arrangements by David Cullen. I must mention the new "Happy Talk" arrangement was by Theo Jamieson.

The set design, as well as the costumes, are by Peter McKintosh. While there are no South Pacific palm trees or sunny scenery, there is a dark element reminding us of the war that is waging. The costumes are wonderfully apt for the military and for the show within the show, put on to raise morale.

Directed by Daniel Evans, and I love a show that is paced well; and this show is paced really well. The first Act is ninety minutes long, but that hour and a half flew by. The set had a rotating section giving us marvellous 360 degree views of the set.

With the sound effects and lighting, he created just the right amount of overhead menace.

The Sound is by Paul Groothuis and lighting by Howard Harrison.

This show reminds me of the times of when I was a kid, watching the old classics on the sofa on a Sunday afternoon with my Mum and Dad. It wraps itself around you and gives you a virtual hug. There is absolutely nothing here not to like, and even though the ending does involve sadness, it's only 50% sad, but the songs just raise you up perfectly.

At its heart, it's a beautiful love story with a message about racism snuck in there, all to a soundtrack full of classic showtunes.

I can't for the life of me understand why only two people gave a standing ovation for such a wonderfully perfect show, and over half the audience showed their appreciation for last week's production. Maybe this week they were stunned by the whole magicness of "South Pacific" ( and I know there is no such word as "magicness", but there should be when talking about this show!). The musical is a classic, and remains so in 2022.

"South Pacific" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 22 October with matinee performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.