Half A Sixpence

This whole production was fast paced, colourful and lively. Every bit of humour was extracted from the story plus some extra bits because of the staging.

This is a massive part for the character Arthur Kipps but Will Phipps was well up to the task as he danced, acted and sang with professionalism and warmth. He was matched perfectly with Abbie Rai as Arthur’s sweetheart, Ann Pornick. They worked and sang really well together. James Totney(Sid), Matt Wirtz(Pearce) and Simon Williams(Buggins) were a great team as Arthur’s shop assistant friends. Their dancing skills were very impressive and they brought energy to the production every time they were on stage as did Beth Coleman(Kate), Samantha King(Victoria) and Rachel Coleman(Flo). Their ensemble work was equally strong. The Walsingham family who tried to take over Kipps life were well played by Nikki Rai(Mrs Walsingham), Kelly Ashman(Helen) and Craig Griffiths(Young Walsingham) who all showed their acting and singing skills. Much of the humour was in the hands of the larger than life character, Chitterlow, and Roger Stokes took it in his stride. There was strong support from Kate Pingree(Laura), Paul Roberts(Shalford), Alex Jeffreys(Jeremiah) and Dom Napier who kept popping in a variety of roles.

The choreography was challenging but the company executed it slickly. There were some excellent costumes, good lighting and sound and a very professional orchestra who occasionally, unfortunately, were a little too loud making it difficult to hear some of the words.

All round a first class production of which everyone should be justly proud. Well done!

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