Half a Sixpence

Company of Four first produced Half a Sixpence in 1994, and six members of the original cast are back again for this show. 

The story taken from H. G. Wells novels of Kipps and the History of Mr Polly, was adapted for stage in the 60’s. The new musical Half a Sixpence,   starred Tommy Steele  in which he featured in 12 out of the 15 musical numbers. It tells the story of  Mr Kipps, at the turn of the century,   an orphan working in a drapers shop  who inherits a fortune  and the class differences he encounters along the way.

Neil Thorpe plays Kipps  in this his first leading role,  and gives us  a very accomplished performance .  It’s  no mean feat;  he’s hardly ever off stage and  with so many songs, and dances to learn, one can appreciate all the work put into creating the character.  His childhood sweetheart   Ann (Charlie Close)  gives a warm,  kind hearted performance, who sees with dismay, when  the love of her life  falls for the beautiful, classy Helen Walsingham. Sarah Wheatley  portrays the character beautifully. Julian Illman plays Chitterlow; a part which was made for him;  as the eccentric actor/playwright   who befriends Kipps.  All three of them have  some appropriate songs  with Kipps establishing their relationships. 

The six working in the drapers shop all worked  well together under the harsh Mr Shalford.  A lovely cameo for Neville Woolnough.  In  the second half the  six workers have a well performed  song with good harmony.     There are many other good characters, too numerous to mention individually to form a very large cast including some children.  There was a nice touch when the mischievous  children  kept disappearing under the table, only to be hauled out by Laura (Mary Leech).    In some cases  I felt that the stage was slightly over crowded and maybe more use could have been made of the two  front stage extensions.  

The musical numbers were numerous  and well  performed under the direction of Jo King, and  the  sound levels with a band of 10 musicians did not drown out the singers.   There were several big numbers with the full company, including the favourites  ‘ Flash Bang Wallop’ and’ If the Rain’s Got To Fall’  which were performed with plenty of energy and gusto.   Michelle  Steward  had  choreographed her large cast well in the rather limited space she had available. The costumes  were appropriate for the period and the  lighting was effective with the fairly minimal set, which was   efficiently changed  for the 19 scenes ensuring  pace throughout.  

A show to be proud of, and opening just 10 weeks after their Panto.  Well done to Michael Crane and all his cast and production team for their hard work and giving us all a very entertaining evening.  Thanks also go to Vernon and his team FOH for their hospitality. 

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