For the third time in two months a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical has moved into Leeds Grand Theatre: this time New York's Lincoln Centre Theater production of South Pacific.

Based on war and race, the show is somewhat more hard-nosed than Carousel or The King and I but ultimately captures our sympathy during its three hours on stage.

It is an all-American tale of one of its colonial operations in that part of the world and has been a challenge to all-comers.

It is much to the credit of Samantha Womack, Matthew Cammelle and Daniel Koek that they so confidently succeed.

Richard Rodgers' magic moment This Nearly Was Mine made its mark, followed closely by Younger Than Springtime, Bali Ha'i and I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy.

The brash Seabees are energetically led by Alex Ferns, and Jodi Kimura is a moving Bloody Mary. The 17-strong orchestra under Jae Alexander gave splendid support to the vivid production.

* Until July 7. Phone 0844 848 2705.

John Pettit