The critically acclaimed, landmark Chichester Festival Theatre production of RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S SOUTH PACIFIC 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, before embarking on a UK and Ireland Tour.

Reprising their roles as ‘Emile de Becque’ and ‘Ensign Nellie Forbush’ in Manchester and at Sadler’s Wells will be West End, Broadway and screen star Julian Ovenden and West End leading lady Gina Beck.

Following its critically acclaimed sell-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre this summer, 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.”

WHAT IS SOUTH PACIFIC THE MUSICAL ABOUT?

This powerful love story, set on a South Pacific island during World War ll, is brought thrillingly to life in an epic new five-star production directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director.

1943. On an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, US troops are kicking their heels amid the cacao groves while restlessly waiting for the war to reach them. 

Nellie Forbush, a navy nurse from Arkansas, finds herself falling for the French plantation owner, Emile de Becque – a man with a mysterious past. 

The scheming sailor Luther Billis runs a makeshift laundry to earn a quick buck, but he’s no match for the quick-witted Polynesian Bloody Mary who’s intent on exploiting these foreigners.

When young Princeton graduate Lieutenant Joe Cable is flown in on a dangerous reconnaissance mission, love and fear become entwined as the island’s battle for hearts and minds begins.

With a sensational cast of over thirty and a full orchestra, this ravishing musical is set to be the must-see theatrical event of the year.

Boasting 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‘.