Half a Sixpense

'Half a Sixpence’ is adapted from H.G. Wells' novel ‘Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul’. It was first produced in London's West End at the Cambridge Theatre in March 1963. It was later adapted for film in 1967. Kipps, an orphan who unexpectedly inherits a fortune and climbs the social ladder, before losing everything, realising that you just can't buy happiness.

Emma and Gem pulled together an exceptional cast with the members work amazingly well as a team and it was good to see them enjoying themselves as much as the audience members did. The onstage chemistry between Jonathan, Ellie and Rebecca was fantastic.

Jonathan Head played Arthur Kipps, the story teller and soon to be millionaire extremely well! Despite the role of Arthur being a somewhat appearance heavy role in terms of physical presence and singing Jonathan performed the role with apparent ease. He’s clearly a natural on the stage and was a joy to watch.

Ellie Madden, who I have previously seen in the BMTC production of ‘9 to 5’ played Ann Pornick, Arthur Kipps childhood sweetheart from the orphanage. As always, her performance was captivating; It’s clear that Ellie really puts all her emotions into every moment she is on stage and the audience absolutely love it.

Rebecca Adams, despite being a fairly new face in BMTC, really shone in the role of Helen, performing with the confidence of a real theatre veteran and I look forward to seeing her in future productions.

The whole cast were wonderful, and the show was very entertaining albeit a little spoiled by the sound levels. I found that the band often overpowered the vocals of the soloists as well as the chorus which was a real shame as from what I could hear, the harmonies were spot on as always.

I would also like to mention that the show was distracted from somewhat by the videographer running around in front of the stage which is a shame for the players who have worked so hard on the show and concerns NODA as the licencing rules usually prohibit the filming of the show.

All in all, you can be proud of the show you put on. You hard work a dedication really came through and we can’t wait to see you next performance.

 

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