Kipps

Kipps a musical staged by BOS Theatre Company at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport on Wednesday, 25th May, 2022

Kipps, the new updated stage version of ‘Half a Sixpence’ is based on H.G. Wells semi-autobiographical novel ‘Kipps’ and tells a story of Arthur Kipps, an orphan, working as a draper’s assistant at ‘Shalford’s Bazaar’ in Folkstone at the turn of the last century, whose life changes when he inherits money. Kipps tries to become part of the upper set, whilst trying to keep in touch with his old friends where he feels more comfortable. He seemingly forgets his childhood sweetheart Ann who carries the other ‘half of his sixpence’: becoming engaged instead to the wealthy Helen Walsingham.  Kipps realises he doesn’t belong in this new world and that the girl who still carries her ‘half of the sixpence’ is the girl for him. 

Steve Chester (Artistic Director) deserves ‘special mention’ for what we saw tonight.  The production was well cast, well-rehearsed with simple, effective choreography that enhanced not only the production, but played to the strengths of all the cast.  As soon as those curtains opened, everyone looked confident, engaged and ready to do what BOS do best!  I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting BOS during their rehearsal in early May… even then, you could tell that everyone was putting their heart and soul into the production…. well done guys all that hard work paid off… well done Steve, be ever so proud… which I know you are!

As many of you know, this is where I ‘stick my neck’ out and start identifying my favourite performances… this can and does prove difficult at time, this being one of those occasions!  BUT, never one to shirk responsibility… I really do feel I need to give a few ‘shout outs’

“Show Stealer” for me was our lead… Craig Billington and his portrayal of ‘Arthur Kipps’.  From first entrance to last Craig made this part his own!  Totally believable, confident and great stage presence which allowed him to create a loveable cheeky chappie!  His chemistry with both ‘loves of his life’ Ann and Helen were excellent and I just loved the opening scene with ‘young Ann and the young Kipps’ sat alone which led us into the song ‘Half a Sixpence!  Well done, Craig… be ever so proud, sir!  Pushing Craig all the way for ‘show stealer’ was Alan Casserley who took on the role of ‘Chitterlow’, the unsuccessful actor / playwright who befriends Kipps and who brings him the news about his inheritance!  Alan not only made this role his own, he also made it look far easier than it undoubtably was! Great characterisation, stage presence aplenty, great comic timing and great voice to boot… ‘The Joy of the Theatre’ was a winner for me ‘The Right Horse’ as they say! … be proud Alan, great job!    Olivia Andrews took on the role of ‘Ann Pornick’, Kipps childhood sweetheart and probably still the love of his life!  This was Olivia’s first principal role with BOS which she did ever so well with. Good stage presence, worked well with Kipps…  be proud, Olivia, good job!  ‘The Walsingham’s’… ‘Helen, James and Mother’ played by Samantha Keen, Carl Sedman and Liz Clarke respectively and what a great trio they made!  I suppose you could refer to them as ‘The Good, the Bad and the Self-Important’!  ‘The Good’ - Samantha Keen who did a great job as ‘Helen Walsingham’. Sophisticated, elegant, part of the family, does what’s she’s told… but who really does love Kipps!  Great stage presence, great diction and a wonderful singing voice, be ever so proud Samantha!  ‘The Bad’ - Carl Sedman not only took on the role of ‘James Walsingham’ the ‘dodgy financial advisor’ who gets arrested after swindling Kipps and many others; he also played the ever so dodgy/drunken ‘Photographer’. Carl created two great characters, wonderful stage presence, totally believable (the drunken photographer – a little to believable Carl ahahaha) well done sir, great job!  Finally, ‘The Self Important’ - ‘Mrs Walsingham’ played by Liz Clarke.  Again, great characterisation, great stage presence, beautiful singing voice was also able to bring humour to the role when required… well done Liz, great job!  Not really sure how to collectively describe the following … perhaps the ‘Shalford Six’ … ‘Sid’, ‘Victoria’, ‘Pierce’, ‘Flo’, ‘Kate’ and ‘Buggins’ played respectively by Tom Hallsworth, Emily Blinkhorn, Nathan Power, Lucie Colman, Nicola Powell and Nick Lloyd, all employed at Shalford’s Bazaar in Folkstone, all good friends with Kipps, who stick by him throughout.  They all created great individual characters and worked their socks off throughout… well done each and all … great job!  John Hardiker took on two roles the main one being Mr Shalford, the owner of Shalford’s Bazaar. Sue Hardiker played Lady Punnett; Wendy Cox played Aunt Susan Kipps; Phil Power also took on a couple of roles the main one being ‘Uncle Bert Kipps’; Karen Browne played ‘Miss Ross’. Dave Sidley took on two cameo roles, ‘Hayes’ and the Butler ‘Foster’ and showed us how to make best use of a small role! Great characterisation and facial expressions brought so many ‘chuckles’ from so many including ‘The Mayor’ well done sir!  The ensemble included Emily Alty, Chloe Davies, Lucy Fish, Wendy Harris, Helen Henshaw, Anita Hudson, Charlotte Littler and Chris Smally… all of whom worked their socks off and added so much to the overall production.  Finally… every musical has it’s ‘stand out song’… for me, without doubt, it had to be ‘Pick Out a Simple Tune’…  it had everything, energy, commitment, great vocals… great routine… well done everyone… be ever so proud!

The Orchestra… Corey Gerrard (Musical Director) - This was Corey’s first show as MD with BOS and what a great job he did.  I thought the orchestra accompanied the singers really well and enhanced the production throughout!  Orchestra members included: Niamh Boland (Reed 1), John Padfield (Reed 2) and Sarah Dutch (Reed 3), Michael McKay (Percussion), Cliff Ray (Trumpet), John Connelly (Trombone 1), Tim (Trombone 2), Mike Ciaputa (Guitar), David Wall (Keyboard) and Adam Dutch (Bass)… well done folks! 

Staging/Technical…  when you look at a ‘scenic plot’ and you see twenty-two scenes…then you just know that the ‘stage crew’ are in for a busy time!  Andrea Shacksmyth-Claire (Stage Manager) and her Back Stage Crew should be congratulated on their efforts.  Smooth scene changes enhance any production especially when there are so many… but even when things did get ‘tricky’ (nothing worse than a snagged cloth) - it was dealt with efficiently … congrats to all - great job!  Lighting and Sound…. ‘Lighting Design’ by Sam Robinson-Davies worked really well… the ‘follow spot’ operator(s) should be applauded for their skill… ‘spot on’ guys…sorry for the pun!  ‘Sound’ was under the watchful eye of Infinity Technical Services (David Murray) and as always here at the Little Theatre it was excellent!  Costumes… were superb and enhanced the production so much… provided by Charades Theatrical Costume Hire from St Helens.  Props... were apt and used really well.  I made note that the ‘snails’ were still going strong and, on the night, I attended, a record was set when the snail ended up on ‘C’ row, impressive Craig!  But I was a little disappointed after ‘looking, looking and looking some more, that I could not see a single ‘carrot’ anywhere… devastated Anne!

Folks, thank you so much for a wonderful evening which my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed.  Thanks to Anne Powell and Lesley Power for looking after us so well throughout the evening, really appreciated. All I can say is that BOS is back… amateur theatre is back! Can’t wait to see you all again soon!

Stay safe and keep well… hope to see you all again very soon!

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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