Kipps

Kipps – The New Half a Sixpence Musical

Book by Julian Fellows based on the novel by H.G. Wells

Original Music by David Heneker

New Songs and Additional Music by George Styles and Anthony Drewe

Performed by Centre Stage at Exmouth Pavilion on Wednesday 8th April 2026

Directed and Choreographed by Sue Bonnett

Musical Director - Joseph Binmore

 

Based on the novel Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul by H. G. Wells, this musical tells the story of Arthur Kipps, an ordinary draper’s assistant whose life changes dramatically when he unexpectedly inherits a fortune. The Centre Stage production captured this journey with warmth, humour, and a strong sense of ensemble throughout engaging the audience from the start.

An open stage greeted the audience with a projected cyclorama. Gobos lit the stage in orange and blue as two young actors, picked out by individual spots, meet in New Romsey, Kent in 1905. Young Ann (Erin) and Young Arthur (Xavier) acted beautifully and confidently sang Half a Sixpence together before Aunt Susan interrupts them, sending young Arthur off to his future in Folkstone, leaving Ann with her half of their sixpence, hoping he will return.

We meet ‘Artie’ for the first time in Shalford’s Bazaar, Folkestone, alongside fellow apprentices, Sid Pornick (Jago), Flo Evans (Evie), Buggins (Archie) and Pierce (Jack).  This was well cast as their camaraderie was obvious from the start as they protected each other from Mr Shalford’s grumpy authority.

As the title shows the actor playing Kipps is pivotal to the story. Alfie as Kipps portrayed the character charmingly and with such sincerity balancing his innocence as he falls for Helen Walsingham and his growth, when realising his real worth.  A strong performance from this young man, who has a melodic tenor voice, excellent acting ability, and is a pretty good dancer too.

Supporting roles were equally well handled, with confident characterisation and strong vocal performances across the board; Sid Pornick (Ann’s brother) - an outspoken socialist was expertly portrayed by an actor with a unique depth of acting talent and a lovely voice to boot.  Flo - I loved this characterisation as her performance was natural and funny. The duet with Ann Just a Little touch of Happiness was captivating, with gorgeous harmonies. Buggins – This actor brought the food-loving, always late yet loveable character to life showing his vulnerability too which added to the comedy element to the apprentices’ scenes. Pierce - an endearing almost protective character was brought to life by this actor with beautiful notes in the harmonies during In the Middle There is Me.  Money to Burn, performed by these four and Kipps was outstanding and the choreography using the two beds added to the number.

Shalford (Toby) was played with the exactness required and Look Alive was well handled by this actor, a lovely baritone and with a strong stage presence. Notably during this number, the ensemble enters Shalford’s Bazaar as customers, all immaculately dressed in cream and white costumes (perfect for the period) and looking fabulous. Very impressive, as was the intricate movement throughout the number by so many on stage.

During this scene we are introduced to Mrs Walsingham (Sophie) and her daughter Helen Walsingham (Eliza) both dressed beautifully in period costume. Sue Bonnett never ceases to amaze me with her detailed eye for costuming those on stage in every show.

Helen Walsingham – beautifully still and looking the part in a lovely wig, with a clipped English accent and a stunning soprano voice as she sang Believe in Yourself. Throughout you could see the torment she felt as her mother and brother chased after Kipps for his money. A believable performance from this young actor.  Mrs Walsingham - this actor really showed the character as an interfering, haughty mother-in-law to be and is as unlikeable as her son is as they both manipulate Helen and Artie.  James Walsingham (Ralph) - perfectly smarmy and unpleasant from the start in comparison to the naïve Kipps. A Simple Lunch was well acted and sung.

Lady Punnet (Pippa) – this young lady simply relished this part, with her over-the-top poshness and accent, her expressions during Pick Out a Simple Tune were very funny.  I also would like to mention the characters Mrs Bindo-Botting (Tilly) and Lady Dacre (Elsie) who only with a few lines made them count and had the audience giggling. Great cameo roles of Carshott, Mr Maxwell (the architect), the Vicar and Foster (Lady Punnet’s butler) by one actor who was busy changing continuously I should think, well done Seb.

I have not forgotten to mention the actor who portrayed the exuberant Chitterlow (Ben) but wanted to leave him until last, but not least. This actor was lovely in the role with his superb stage presence and his always perfect melodic vocals as he harmonises with Kipps in The One That Got Away. As this may well be his last appearance with Centre Stage (if I am mistaken forgive me) then I wish him every success for the future.

Musically, the show was vibrant and well-executed. Group numbers were particularly impressive, filled with energy, great vocals and tight choreography that reflected the cast’s commitment and rehearsal effort. The ensemble pieces worked cohesively, creating a sense of community on stage that elevated the production especially during Flash Bang Wallop and If the Rain’s Gotta Fall (my personal favourite).

The staging and set design were simple yet effective, allowing the story to remain the focus and providing visual interest by using projection to show the audience changes of scenes. Also, the use of simple stage props such as the small balustrade at the beginning of Act 2 as Chitterlow and Kipps sing The One Who’s Run Away, on Folkestone Pier. These eased transitions between scenes as did the cast sometimes removing stage props too. The backstage crew had it under control though.
The lighting design by Dominic Jeffery complimented the storyline and every scene. The yellows and whites used for the pier scenes, the subtle changes from sunshine to grey skies during If the Rains Gotta Fall, the boy’s dormitory with blues and orange movable downlights, the single lit lamppost as Kipps sings, She’s Too Far Above Me, complimented by hints of blue, green and purple subdued lighting.  Nice!

A professional orchestra of ten, under the baton of Joseph Binmore played this score beautifully and the sound they made complimented those on stage. Every word could be heard and every note sung.

Costumes, what can I say, that has not been already said. Sue Bonnett you are masterful seamstress and your costumes are always exact and right for the era. They help establish the period setting clearly and your actors looked fabulous. Once again, under your direction what stands out is the enthusiasm and professionalism demonstrated by these incredible young performers. Their passion was evident in every scene, making the production thoroughly enjoyable for the audience. This was a delightful and commendable performance highlighting the remarkable potential of the group’s young talent. Well done to everyone involved.

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda Representative South West District 5 (Mid and East Devon)

NODA REPORTING:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production, and particularly the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

 

 

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