WITH two excellent leads and a musical score to die for, Longwood are almost guaranteed a surefire hit with their latest production.

South Pacific, although borne out of a time when the world was in an even greater predicament than it finds itself in today, is one of the truly great musicals penned by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The score reads like a “greatest hits” compilation and for the most part, the company do vocal justice to it.

Sharon Whitehead, as the “cockeyed optimist” nurse Nellie Forbush, has both the wealth of acting experience and just the right vocal dexterity to win over the audience in A Wonderful Guy, and I’m Gonna Wash That Man.

And the Society are blessed by the debut of Ian Moorhouse, wholly convicing as Emile de Becque, who showed an excellent feel for the role, while his tremendous vocal timbre sends shivers with a commanding This Nearly Was Mine and Some Enchanted Evening.

Bloody Mary was in the equally capable hands of Elaine Cockram for the melancholy Bali Ha’i, while her daughter Liat allowed the delightful Sonya Morris to enchant both the audience and Lieutenant Cable, played by up-and-coming Dominic Moccia.

Martin Stead was a confident Luther Billis, the Seabees answer to Del Boy constantly battling his superiors, Capt Brackett (Paul Bennett) and Comdr Harbison (Craig Kelly).

Director Jayne Davison’s production looks good and feels good, although perhaps a few haircuts (men) and tanned legs (ladies) instead of tights would have lent more authenticity.

The show, with Caroline Robinson as MD, runs until Saturday.