This much-loved tale of dames, sailors, sunshine and sand is one of the most durable of musicals ever written. And this most recent of Rogers & Hammerstein's classic South Sea tale of love between an American Ensign and a more mature urbane Frenchman does nothing to dispel preceding tradition. The energy doesn't flag as an enthusiastic, efficient and tightly directed cast ride through the classic love story.

The energetic Ensign Nellie Forbush is played by Gillian Pollitt, while William Sharples keeps up the Gallic charm as Emile De Becque and David Perks appears as Lt. Joseph Cable. But it is Gary Williams as the lovable rogue Luther Billis who steals the show with his version of an American GI jester. And the chorus ensure that the show loses none of its pace throughout, with the lads presenting a raucous Nothing Like a Dame and the girls replying with an endearing I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.

Special mention must also go to the backstage crew who produced a stunning set.

Chris Styles

I could, with every justification, make this a one word report - EXCELLENT. This would, of course, be grossly unfair to the society and all the effort it made to stage this show. The society is well known in the are for its proficiency in the scenery department. This time it excelled. The audience were treated to a realistic South Sea island, even down to the twin peaks of the volcanic Bali Ha'i glowing red at the appropriate moment.

Emile, (William Sharples) maintained the accent throughout, acted well and sang beautifully; This Nearly Was Mine was quite moving. Gary Williams gave a good portrayal of Luther Billis and David Perks, playing Joseph Cable, both looked and acted the part but struggled just a little at the top of his vocal range. The smaller parts, which tend to be thrown away, were equally well cast and here I would mention William Steel (George Bracken) and Edward Donnelly (Wm. Harbison). Silvia Fishwick, who has played Bloody Mary on several occasions, was up to her usual high standard and an energetic Nellie Forbush (Gillian Pollitt) played her part well enough but the "country girl from Little Rock" didn't come through.

The chorus maintained the pace with the men presenting a raucous Nothing Like A Dame followed by the girls with a pleasant I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.

The producer, Audrey Raistrick, is to be congratulated on the overall production. The musical backing was in the capable hands of the musical director.

Glyn Neary