The opening night of South Pacific was something of a homecoming for Southampton's Helena Blackman.

It was the first time the star who shot to fame in BBC's How Do you Solve a Problem Like Maria? had played at the Mayflower and she did the home crowd proud.

Blackman was unquestionably one of the highlights of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific thanks to her star quality and clear voice.

She plays Ensign Nellie Forbush, a young nurse who falls in love with an older plantation owner during the Second World War.

The show had plenty of familiar numbers including I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair, Some Enchanted Evening and Happy Talk.

Fine performances were also put in by Ian McLarnon as Lt Joseph Cable whose clear voice sounded particularly beautiful when he performed love song Younger Than Spring Time and Dave Willets as Nellie's love interest Emile De Becque.

The sets were also impressive, particularly the palm trees which helped create the island atmosphere.

At times the pace did feel a little slow and the show might not be the best introduction to musicals for anyone not already a fan of the genre.

But for anyone who does like a good musical this has plenty to recommend it including great performances, exhilarating dance numbers and a delightful star in Southampton's own Helena Blackman.