Gilbert and Sullivan’s rendering of the Rogers and Hammerstein masterpiece ‘South Pacific’ is a nicely polished piece of stage revelry that is sure to satisfy even the most finicky theatre aficionado. The production started an eight-night run at the Earl Cameron Theatre at City Hall on Thursday night, and Gilbert and Sullivan’s treatment was delicate, loving, and competent throughout the invited guest performance on Wednesday evening.The story followed the struggles of several US Marines and Navy Officers during their Second World War tour on a nondescript island in the South Pacific. The officers alternately battle racism, boredom, desire, loneliness, and classism.The leads fall in love but find their love in jeopardy because of the inbred bigotry of Southern Belle Ensign Nellie Forbush (Played by Paige Hallett), who recoils when she learns that the ‘Wonderful Man’ she has fallen in love with has several mixed race children from local Polynesian women.Watching the story unfold becomes uncomfortable at times, enraging at others, considering that the nefarious and injurious ideas on race depicted in the play have changed so much in the 60-plus years since ‘South Pacific’ was arranged for the stage. The shining beacon, however, lies in the ideals of Emile de Becque (Mark Hamilton), who champions freedom and equality for all men and refuses to bow to the might of “bullies”.Emile de Becque is a wealthy planter who lives on the island and falls in love with newly stationed Ensign Nellie Forbush; a troubled romance ensues and, ultimately, love conquers the irrational hatred that Nellie carried with her from the Southern United States. Both Mr Hamilton and Ms Hallett are proficient in their portrayals, providing an emotional weight that is expected and necessary in these types of stories. Both sang well too; which is always a plus in a musical!Other standout performances were delivered by Joy T Barnum as the scene-stealing Bloody Mary, Robbie Godfrey as the young, blindly racist Lieutenant Joe Cable, Will Kempe as the officious Captain George Brackett, and Alexander Damon Rosati as the mischievous aspiring entrepreneur Seabee Luther Billis.Miss Barnum especially delivered a gem of a performance, stealing every scene she appeared in even for a few seconds. Her costume was decidedly eye-catching, complete with long, thick braids, shocking make-up, and a native-inspired boar’s tooth headdress. Her rendition of the seductive ‘Bali Ha’i’ was a standout musical number, while her rendering of the Bloody Mary role made the character come alive, establishing her as easily the most memorable character of the show.Mr Rosati was memorable as well. He provided comic relief throughout the otherwise intensely dramatic story. Luther Billis was a bumbling, excitable, gregarious, sweetheart of a character, and Mr Rosati handled his performance with considerable aplomb.The entire production, in fact, was delivered with aplomb. Set changes were seamless, musical numbers ranged from pleasant to delightful, and there was plenty of drama, romance, and comedy to enjoy.Group pieces like ‘There Is Nothing Like a Dame,’ ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,’ and ‘Happy Talk’ were joyous romps, while pieces like ‘Some Enchanted Evening,’ and ‘I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy’ were reflective, romantic, and hauntingly beautiful.‘South Pacific’ is a masterpiece of musical theatre, and Gilbert and Sullivan have done it true justice with their latest rendering. It’s a competent, entertaining, lovingly affected offering of a timeless favourite, and it is sure to please all who experience it.The play will run from through to October 19, starting at 8pm each night.