Daniel Evans's production is a triumph! From the opening overture performed as a ballet by the lone figure of Liat (Sera Maehara) to the parade of the US Marines on the circular stage we know we are in an island in the South Seas, invaded by the American military.
Philby and Greene were colleagues, although like Le Carré, Greene's M16 career was halted as his name was given to the Soviets by Philby. However as Brown's play tells, Greene had a certain amount of sympathy for Philby's devotion to Communism.
This much-loved, Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical opened in 1949 to huge success, becoming one of Broadway’s longest running hit shows. It boasts one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most memorable scores, featuring songs such as Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair and Bali Ha’i.