THERE is still a big market out there for traditional musical theatre – as shown when the opening night of South Pacific completely sold out.
A talented cast rehearsed since January to bring theatre-goers their version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic and it certainly paid off.
Musical numbers were sung with enthusiasm and included all the South Pacific classics – 'There is Nothin
g Like a Dame', 'Some Enchanted Evening' and 'Happy Talk.'
Costumes were great and the set design was convincing, albeit a little unsturdy at times (the odd clumsy member of the cast nearly sending it flying – although this provided a chuckle for the crowd.)
Great performances came from young Richard Prescott as Lieutenant Cable, Vanessa Andrew as Bloody Mary and Gail Bowskill as Nellie Forbush.
Robin Knipe (who played Professor Higgins in the Morecambe Amateurs' performance of 'My Fair Lady') was outstanding as usual.
Cast
Special mention should also go to the younger cast members, Victoria Jeffreys and Alex Bevington, who shared the roles of Ngana and Jerome with Ashleigh Hartin and William Bowskill.
The more elderly amongst the audience appeared to thoroughly enjoy Morecambe Amateurs' performance, which included great comedy timing and well choreographed dance routines.
After the opening night, the play's director Joyce Warrington MBE, said: "We think this sort of play is more popular with older people,
and that's what we tend to go for.
"They like the nostalgia and the romance and this one has quite a meaty plot.
"The full house tonight is very encouraging.
"It's been hard work but the reward is seeing the finished product."
Well done to all involved for presenting a cheery, heart-warming and family-friendly version of this Rodgers and Hammerstein favourite.
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