Kipps – The New Half a Sixpence

This version was premiered to rave reviews in 2016, and SMT certainly did themselves proud with this production.

The story is a pretty familiar one to regular theatre goers. Set in Folkstone it follows the fortunes of Arthur Kipps, a simple draper’s assistant, as he is propelled uncomfortably into the local “high society” after unexpectedly coming into money. 

Arthur falls under the spell of the lovely Helen Walsingham and asks her to marry him, much to the delight of her unscrupulous Mother and fraudulent brother who plot to take control of his inheritance. Along the way Arthur meets Ann again with whom he split a sixpence in their younger days, and who is now working as a housemaid for his newly acquired upmarket “company”, and he begins to have doubts about the direction his life suddenly seems to be taking.

This was a very busy show and the actor in the role of Kipps turned in a perfectly splendid performance. Central to the story he was hardly ever off stage, and sang and danced seemingly without a break, at one point even executing a full costume change DC concealed behind a rail of clothes! 

Helen was graceful and attractive, and although taken with Arthur she clearly understood his dilemma, and even though she was frustrated with her own circumstances she still kindly tried to steer him away from the unscrupulous manoeuvrings of her family. 

Ann made an excellent contrast as the feisty housemaid who firmly stood her ground to win her man in the end, and the number “Just a Little Happiness” performed with Flo, the engagingly played shop assistant, was just delightful. 

The controlling, self-centred matriarch Mrs Walsingham was suitably portrayed - ever eager to improve her status!

Stepping into the role of Helen’s brother James at very short notice this actor gave a great performance, while also convincingly playing his original characters, Carshot the senior assistant at Shalford’s Bazaar and a lovely cameo at the end as the Wedding Photographer. 

Mr Shalford himself was a lovely character and sported a wonderful display of whiskers!

The larger-than-life playwright Chitterlow was simply a revelation! His initial entrance in a fabulous velvet coat and red wig simply took the stage by storm, and he also showed his versatility in the more understated role of the Vicar.

As the “leading light” of the local social scene Lady Punnet was very “upper crust”, but aware of Mrs Walsingham’s aspirations she also took a “bit of a shine” to Arthur. An invitation to one of her “musical soirées was an indication of having “arrived”, and this scene particularly was stunning with everyone dressed in shades of black and lime green. The frantic instrumental competition between Kipps on banjo and James on a truly magnificent organ was outstanding. 

Kipps’ long standing “buddy” Sid also made his mark as a true “salt of the earth” character, always out to make the world a better place.

There was a delightful mix of adults and youngsters making up the cast and this gave the production a true “company” feel. Playing a variety of supporting roles and chorus they switched frequently from townsfolk to aristocrats, and smoothly facilitated the scene changes. 

Life must have been quite challenging backstage!

All the costumes were just exceptional, and every scene beautifully colour co-ordinated. The different scenes were simply achieved by colourful and well painted backdrops projected onto the Cyc wall. 

The choreography and the musical numbers were exceptional encapsulating the lines Flash Bang Wallop What A Picture completely! 

Under challenging circumstances yet again, the Director, Musical Director, Choreographer, and the entire Company worked cohesively together without a weak link and pulled-off a fantastic production. 

The energy, enthusiasm and congeniality simply spilled out from the stage and the whole show just oozed with affection and camaraderie.

There were many memorable moments - the “thunder and lightning” scene with If the Rain’s Got to Fall, the seaside picture postcard photo-frame cut outs to name a few but all was summed up perfectly by Chitterlow’s lines “The joy that the theatre brings!”

Very well done!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.