Half a Sixpence

I remember the first time I was in this show back in the late 1960s and recall that it was one of the happiest I had been in.  This production by the society’s KIDS section was obviously of a similar nature, although it was the newer version of the show.

Once again the young cast showed us how much potential they have and, as Arthur Kipps, Connor Wilson certainly led the way.  We’ve seen him previously and he is really growing as a performer showing a good rapport with other cast members and the audience.  Kipps is a great part for any young lad – he’s hardly off stage and needs to be versatile and Connor achieved it with a super gentle style.  He moved and sang well and worked hard on his comedy.

His Ann Pornick in the capable hands of Millie Barkworth who showed a strong character with a lovely lighter side at times.  Her numbers with Kipps were excellent and they also moved very well together.

The other focus of Arthur’s attention was on Helen Walsingham, played here by Rosie Bottomley.  She was suitably “superior” but didn’t go over the top with it and she also presented her numbers nicely.

The four shop apprentices formed a good team and were enjoyably presented by Harrison Mead, Archie Armstrong (moving on from his Oliver last year), Joseph Britton and Noah Bloomfield.  Their female counterparts, Evie Cook, Milli Chaffe, Freya Tudor, Megan Tudor and Alice Jordan, were equal in standard and their dancing was extremely good.

Alex Joy was a great, eccentric Chitterlow and Bradley Wilshire was funny as Shalford, the shop owner.  We also saw a very strong performance from Mabel Mood as Mrs Walsingham with good support from Toby Sands as Young Walsingham and a lovely cameo from Joe Jenney as the photographer – those small parts are so important.

The choreography for the cast of 50 was traditional and it suited this production perfectly in my opinion.  Some comedy was missed which was partly production and partly because we couldn’t hear everything which was a shame.

Costumes were at the society’s usual high standard and lighting was very good working well on a simple set with furniture often moved by the cast.

Whether the show is better for it’s re-write could be debatable but with some good new numbers, it made no difference in how the full house enjoyed it.  Very nostalgic and enjoyable!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.