About the Show

Chichester Festival Theatre’s critically acclaimed production transfers to Sadler's Wells.

On an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean in 1943, US troops are restlessly waiting for the war to reach them. Nellie Forbush, a navy nurse, finds herself falling for, Emile de Becque, a plantation owner. When a young Lieutenant Joe Cable is flown in on a reconnaissance mission, hearts and minds begin to change as the real war begins.

The classic musical by legendary composers Rodgers and Hammerstein features well-loved classics including 'Some Enchanted Evening', 'Younger than Springtime' and 'I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair'.

Starring Julian Ovenden ('Bridgerton, 'Downton Abbey', 'Merrily We Roll Along') and Gina Beck ('Matilda', 'Wicked' 'Les Misérables').

Critic Reviews (6)

" 'South Pacific' insists on 'Some Enchanted Evening', disenchantment, and worse, are never far from this mighty musical’s fearless gaze.
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" ‘South Pacific’ is meant to be fun, and it is here. But the sober stuff is really allowed to breathe in a well-judged production that plays this musical’s many, often seemingly contradictory strengths."
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"The production celebrates the lush score and clarifies the script’s attitude to race and exploitation. ... Everything here is in service to the story and score. A revelation."
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"In a sublimely well-sung and sumptuously orchestrated production. ... Succumb to the siren call from this shimmering island paradise of a musical."
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"Musically, dramatically and visually sumptuous - this is emotionally and intellectually stimulating musical theatre bliss... 'Rodgers and Hammerstein' end all their shows with some ambivalence."
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"If you want to hear a great score delivered by almost operatic leads and strong support, then this is the show for you."
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Trailer

Creative team

Chichester Festival Theatre

Producer

Oscar Hammerstein II

Bookwriter / Lyricist