YORK Light Opera Company will return to York Theatre Royal from March 3 to 14 with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, the last full-scale production in the theatre before it closes for a £4.1 million capital re-development project.

Based on James A Michener’s novel Tales Of The South Pacific, the story is set in and around an island military base during the Second World War and features such familiar numbers as Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair, Happy Talk and There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame.

“Beside the music, the story is well known for its frank questions around race and acceptance,” says resident director Martyn Knight, who is at the helm of his tenth show for York Light. He knows South Pacific well, having appeared in the West End as Sergeant Jack Walters during his time as a professional actor.

Leading man Richard Blackburn who will be playing Emile de Becque, also has a personal connection to South Pacific. From 1942 to 1947, his late grandfather, Frank Pemberton, served in the Royal Artillery in Java, Sumatra and parts of the South Pacific. As a motorcycle despatch rider supporting the Dutch troops, it was his job to run messages and transport people and essential items, though some of his antics would not be out of place in the musical.

“My grandad often risked his own safety to help people in the area where he was fighting,” says Richard. “There was a lot of illness among European settlers at the time and Grandad would sneak out after dark, taking medication and bandages to help treat people. He was reported eventually, but his commanding officer took a lenient view, warning ‘Dr Pemberton’ not to do it again. I don’t know whether or not he listened.”

Other principal roles will be played by a mixture of both old and new company members. Leading lady Rachael Wilkinson has appeared previously as Baroness Schrader in The Sound Of Music, Audrey in Little Shop Of Horrors and Tess in Crazy For You and now adds Nellie Forbush to her portfolio.

The romantic lead, Joe Cable, will be shared by Christian Mortimer and Scott Gonclaves.

The comic part of Bloody Mary will be played by Rosie Rowley, whose last outing for York Light was as Widow Corney in Oliver!, and this time she will be joined by daughter Scarlett in a child’s role.

York Light’s South Pacific, with its 14-piece orchestra, modern set design and well-known tunes, will bring sunshine to the Theatre Royal for the final time in the auditorium as we know it.

• Evening performances will start at 7.30pm; Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Box office: 01904 623568.