Kipps

After a drive across the New Forest, we arrived at the Regent Theatre and were immediatley given a very warm welcome by Kirsti Warne, Chairperson, and escorted to our seats. Kipps is a new musical, per se, having been re written and adapted from the original Half a Sixpence and follows the trials and tribulations of Arthur Kipps, a one time shop boy in this rags to riches story. A simple set, well enhanced by the lighting, designed by Harry Self, gave the chorus plenty of space to utilise, and this was done with great effect. The choreography was very effective and all the cast knew where they were to be, particularly "Pick out a simple tune" and "Flash Bang Wallop" both real showstoppers delivered with great enthusiasm. The entire cast were in time and in tune and the joy that came over brought a huge sense of fun into the auditorium. The diction was of a very high standard, all the words were picked up and so the story travelled at a good pace and we all knew what was happening. Particularly with the chorus  and solo numbers, Ieuan Davies and his eleven piece band delivered great musicality and at a fair lick.

This was a very colourful production. The standard of the costumes that Pat Barnett, Anne Ponting of Eclectica provided was very very high - detailed, full of life. I'm sure this is a reason why the choreography appeared to so effective.. When you are wearing the right cclothes and one of such quality cant but help bring out the performance to match!

The individual principal performances of Daniel Murrell as Kipps, Emma Hardy as Ann Pornik and Shannon Cook as He;en Walsingham were all confident and believable in their individual roles and were ably backed up by Peter Hall as Chitterlow, Jess Barrras as Flo along with the three boys, Chris Meineck, Tim Berry and Jacob Corbin as Sid, Buggins and Pierce.  Their timing was impeccable. 

Overall this was a lively and entertaining show, and the entire direction and choreogaphy team should be very proud.  In a world where financial constraints means that a trip to the "national" theatre's is almost prohibitive, the first rate and high standards that societies like Milton Musical Society produce is excellent value for money. Kipps was no exception. Bravo! 

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