Bristol Hippodrome: A musical that's got the lot

6:00am Thursday 24th April 2008

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With a song list as well loved as and comforting as your favourite jumper, you know you are in pretty safe hands with a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, and this production was no exception.

There was little to fault in the efforts of the cast, whose talent matched the superb sets and wonderful costumes.

South Pacific, Bristol Hippodrome

It's a story with something for everyone, exotic locations, comedy, tragedy and realism, South Pacific is one of the best musicals to come from the pens of the legendary writers.

There were so many great performances that it would be hard to pick out just one, however the two leads Helena Blackman and Dave Willetts as Nellie and Emile were absolutely fantastic.

As Nellie, Blackman breathed fun into the role and brought a real bounce to the character especially in the well known I'm Gonna Wash That Man. Willetts' vast experience is abundantly apparent in the easy way he handles his role.

The two leads were in danger of being outshone by Sheila Francisco and Christopher Howell who played Bloody Mary and Luther Billis.

Howell's comic timing was superb especially in the songs Honey Bun and There is Nothing Like A Dame.

Francisco holds her own against the boys in her title song Bloody Mary but is able to bring real mystery and sensitivity to her role when tragedy strikes.

It is a great show with so many brilliant songs that it is hard to resist dancing in your seat.

Abby Sparrow