South Pacific to run in Manchester & London before UK tour
The Chichester Festival Theatre production of South Pacific has announced runs in Manchester and London ahead of a UK tour.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical will open at Manchester Opera House on 16 July 2022 ahead of a season at Sadler’s Wells, London from 27 July to 28 August 2022
The show will then embark on a UK and Ireland Tour visiting Dublin, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Canterbury.
Reprising their roles as ‘Emile de Becque’ and ‘Ensign Nellie Forbush’ on tour and at Sadler’s Wells will be West End, Broadway and screen star Julian Ovenden and West End leading lady Gina Beck. Further casting to be announced.
The production is directed by Daniel Evans, with set and costume design by Peter McKintosh, and choreography and movement direction from Ann Yee. The Musical Supervisor is Nigel Lilley, Musical Director is Cat Beveridge and new orchestration is by David Cullen, with original Broadway orchestration by Robert Russell Bennett.
This powerful love story, set on a South Pacific Island during World War ll is brought thrillingly to life with a sensational cast of over thirty and a full orchestra. South Pacific boasts one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most memorable scores, and this much-loved Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical features songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening”, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “Bali Ha’i”.
The lighting designer is Howard Harrison, sound designer is Paul Groothuis, video designer is Gillian Tan, additional arrangements and Happy Talk orchestration is by Theo Jamieson, casting director is Charlotte Sutton CDG and additional children’s casting by Verity Naughton.
Producers Jamie Wilson and Jonathan Church said: “After experiencing the buzz of the auditorium in Chichester, along with the rapturous applause and standing-ovations, we knew that this production of South Pacific just had to have a further life so that the magic of it could be enjoyed by everyone.”
Daniel Evans and Kathy Bourne, Artistic and Executive Directors of Chichester Festival Theatre respectively, added: “We are always delighted to be able to share work made in Chichester beyond the borders of Sussex, and we’re proud to be working with our friends at Sadler’s Wells and many other regional theatres to bring Rodgers & Hammerstein’s beloved musical to wider audiences across the country.”
Picture: Johan Persson
