Half a Sixpence

“Half a Sixpence” is a classic rags to riches story which tells the tale of a drapers assistant Arthur Kipps and his attempts to blend into a rich society after he unexpectedly inherits a fortune. Based on the HG Wells 1905 novel “Kipps” and having had a few rewrites, it is a take on the 1963 musical that was written for the star Tommy Steel. I’d describe it as a quintessential English musical which is charming, funny and innocent in its nature.

The show opens with Kipps introducing his story and we meet him and his childhood sweetheart Ann as children, the two children portraying these roles, Ava English and Rupert Turner, were endearing and special mention to Rupert who at 6 years old stole the audiences hearts, I couldn’t take my eyes off him in the later dance numbers when he joined the ensemble, what a little star. Kipps gives Ann a half a sixpence as a token to remember him as they are both taken off to their respective careers, Ann in service, Kipps to an apprenticeship and the story begins.

Kipps’ fellow apprentices and the shop girls were played by Chris Coates (Buggins), Ed Turner (Pearce), David Wallace (Sid Pornick), Izzy Chazot (Victoria), Catherine Finn (Flo Bates), Jade Henderson (Kate) and Natasha Henderson (Bessie), they had a tangible camaraderie and their numbers were all well delivered, each giving us a different type of character. I particularly enjoyed the rendition of “Economy” by the boys, great performance and harmonies. Their work days were under the watchful eye of Mr Shalford, played by Steve Norman who made his presence felt on every entrance, lovely cameo role.  All of the supporting characters were well played throughout the show.

Pascalle Rossle as Ann was feisty and likeable with a beautiful voice and showed great vocal strength and control especially during her number “I Know What I am”. Kate Ayres as the upper class Helen Walsingham gave just the right amount of innocence to her character and an underlying decency making you have some sympathy for her situation in the story. The contrast of these two characters was well played.  Helen’s unscrupulous brother was played with great style and bravado by David O’Donnell and Delia McNally as Mrs Walsingham, the dragon of a mother with her eye on the financial prize, was perfectly played. Delia’s experience, her voice, brilliant facial expressions and whole demeanour were just perfect for this role. The Gala Ball scene in Act 2 was like watching something from Downton Abbey with the Walsingham’s perfectly portraying an upper class family of the time, the costumes in this scene for the whole company were also outstanding,

A highlight of the show is the arrival of the bicycling writer Harry Chitterlow who following a fortuitous collision with Kipps tells him about the character in his new play that he based on a young gentleman he read about in the newspaper who has come into a fortune, this of course turns out to be Kipps. Anthony Smith (looking very much like Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen’s twin brother) gave us a wonderfully larger than life creation who was decent through and through and brought out all of the comedy in his musical numbers. This couldn’t have been more different to the character Anthony played last year, but he never fails to impress, he is such a versatile performer.

This show has 25 Musical numbers and the leading man is in 21 of them! Michael Taphouse did a great job bringing a likeable, natural charm and warmth to his performance, fully utilising his dance ability and giving everything to bring this character to life. He didn’t let his energy slip which must have been exhausting as he hardly left the stage, well done!

There were many big production numbers and I’m sure this was a challenge with a cast of over 50 people to manoeuvre but Chistopher and Kathleen ensured everyone was given their opportunity to shine. Singing was good throughout and the orchestra were superb and the sound well balanced.

Costumes by Charades Theatrical Costume Hire and DMTC were exquisite, the wigs by Chris Carr and the overall attention to detail in the look of the cast was commendable. The set by Scenic Projects was versatile in offering the many different locations to be portrayed throughout the 20 scene changes and as always with DMTC there was good attention to detail with appropriate props.

In a show packed full of music, song, dance and laughs you couldn’t fail to leave the theatre without a big smile on your face and humming the tunes. Congratulations to Christopher, Jack and Kathleen for a very entertaining and enjoyable production, it was clear to see how much work was involved in putting it together. Thank you DMTC and  I am very much looking forward to "The Producers" next year. 

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