Kipps

Whilst this was not my first visit to this theatre, having performed on this stage previously as well as
having watched a number of productions here, it was my first visit to a production by this company,
and I would like to thank them for their warm and hospitable welcome.

This was a new updated version of the Arthur Kipps story, previously performed as Half a Sixpence, a
show I had seen many years ago. I was interested to see the new version with new music by Styles
and Drew.

It was lovely to hear a live orchestra and they were led by Musical Director Jonathan Lycett, whilst I
believe they were rather loud in some scenes, they were well controlled by the M.D.

The show was directed by Kathryn Wheel and I liked the setting very much, the ensemble worked
well with some lovely choreography by Julie Hemming, and some good blocking during the
performance, I also felt that all the cast worked very well together and were supportive of each
other. Congratulations

The sound and lighting during the show were generally very good and showed the impressive set
and costumes at their best, I did notice on the evening I was there some problems with the radio
mikes and occasionally the follow spot.

Arthur Kipps was played by Ashton Williams and he gave a performance which was to be highly
commended, with such an integral role in the production, Ashton never once dropped out of
character and his singing and dancing was well executed, well done. Natalie Edwards ( Ann Pornick )
also gave a lovely performance and I enjoyed how her character developed during the performance
from the opening as a young girl to the happily married woman at the end.

The roles of the apprentices were played by Josh Timmins, Joseph Giblin, William Gomez and Rachel
Morris and I believed they all worked well together, I particularly liked Rachel’s performance as Flo
and her duet with Ann was a lovely moment.

Joanne Griffiths gave a powerful performance as Mrs Walshingham with the right amount of upper
class snobbery on show, Suzy Hambridge and Daniel Moses as Helen and James Walshingham were
also well cast in their respective roles.

Saul Woods as Chitterlow gave a very amusing and likeable performance, they were well supported
in the minor roles by Simon John, David Arran, Beverley Harris, Cath Van Wyk and Gareth Bennett.
The ensemble numbers were very well sung with some lovely harmonies, congratulations all, and to
the Musical Director on the hard work that had no doubt gone in to achieve this.

My only disappointment during my visit were the number of empty seats, I hope the houses
improved as the week went on to give this very enjoyable production the audiences they deserved.
Congratulations Cockett A.O.S and I look forward to your next production.

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