Half a Sixpence

 

Based on HG Wells book ‘Kipps – The Story of a Simple Soul’ this popular musical opened at The Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End in March 1963. The story tells of Arthur Kipps (Artie), and follows the penniless apprentice shop assistant and his relationship with childhood friend Ann. When parted as children, Kipps cuts a sixpence in half and tells Ann to look at it whenever she misses him. Kipps unexpectedly inherits a fortune, climbs the social ladder, and loses everything before realising that love is more important than wealth or status and has been all along, and that happiness can never be bought. Still delivering on storyline and characters, this was the new version, with nine added/revised musical numbers by Warner Brown

The character of Kipps is a huge part and is on stage for almost every scene.  Daniel Parker was well up to the task in his portrayal of Kipps, sustaining the same high level of performance throughout with great comic timing, audience rapport, movement and vocals. Daniel was well supported by Annabel Pilcher as Ann Pornick, Kipps’s childhood sweetheart who`d taken him at his word that they`d always remember each other. Annabel gave an excellent performance, showing great vocal strength and control – especially during her number, “I know what I am”, you could hear and feel every word.  Neil Ward, Alex Nicholls and Andrew Treacy fulfilled the roles of Kipps` friends Sid, Pearce and Buggins with aplomb.  There was a really nice balance and warmth between these three would-be suitors and their shop-girl friends, Kate (Morgan Bebbington), Flo (Rosie Harvey) and Victoria (Charlotte Boyer), in both the exterior scenes and the shop scenes under the watchful eye of Mr. Shalford (Patrick Pryce), owner of Shalford`s Drapery Emporium.

The high jinx and japery in the drapery steps up a notch or two with the entrance of the eccentric playwright, Chitterlow- played by Jake Genders.  Great characterization, excellent diction and ebullience to match, Jake was a joy to watch. You could tell he, and the audience loved every minute of his performance.

A captivating performance by Carys Wilson as upper-class Helen Walsingham provided a genuine rival for Kipps’s affections, with Jo Smith as a pretentious Mrs. Walsingham and Lee Navin every inch a toffee-nosed waster as Young Walsingham.

Smaller roles were played by chorus members throughout the show, these are too numerous to mention, the cast were well rehearsed, giving full justice to the musical numbers- the wedding and cricket scenes being particularly well executed.

The crew and cast managed the numerous scenes changes very effectively.  Lighting was good, it was just a shame that the sound was very hit and miss during the first scenes. The set looked convincing and looked good on this large stage.

Costumers looked good and fitted in well.

The orchestra and chorus/principals, under Musical Director David Easto were as usual, top-notch.

Direction and movement were of a really high standard, every person on-stage relishing being there, and it came across immensely. Stephen Duckham must be really pleased with this production, and everyone involved in it.

Congratulations BMOS on an enjoyable evening of live theatre and thank you for your hospitality.

Flash, Bang, Wallop-What a show!

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