KIPPS - The New Half A Sixpence Musical

Flash bang wallop, what a production!

Following the challenging times we have all been through, for all of us who thrive on our theatre and have been almost totally deprived of our hobby, I was so very much looking forward to seeing the West Midlands premier of Kipps.

First of all, I would like to say massive well done to the production team who were able to put the company through their paces using zoom for many of the rehearsals before the cast were able to return to live rehearsals, from the welcome notes in the programme you proved you worked so well as a team through adversity and the whole company should be immensely proud of the end result.

This was a well-cast production with many playing numerous cameo roles. Matty Brook was extremely engaging and likeable as Arthur Kipps, the tone of his singing voice is superb as was his accent in the dialogue that overflowed with light and shade.

Young Arthur and Ann played by Conor Dodds and Caitlin Dodds, opened the show with confidence.

Nico Eynon-Colon played the eccentric Chitterlow, Nico ensured this was the larger-than-life character the role deserved.

The two loves in Kipps’ life were his childhood sweetheart Ann Pornick who was played with gumption by the feisty Lauren Chapman and as a total contrast to his hoity socialite fiancé Helen played by Ellie Burley. The different characters were well portrayed and both Lauren and Ellie’s musicality shone through.

Esme Read was suitably controlling as the status/money grabbing Mrs Walsingham and her conniving son James was played by Dan McCloskey.

Arthur’s work colleagues and friends at Shalford’s Bazaar were played by Joe Burley (Sid Pornick), Lucy Forrester(Miss Pierce), Mark Cornaby(Buggins) and Erin Norman (Flo Evans) respectively.

Other character roles were played by Phoebe Mason, James Berryman, Gracie Evendon, all of the above made for a strong ensemble including a few somewhat younger faces.

The production team had really used their imagination to give the production pace and a fresh modern edge. The cleverly designed set and slick scene changes ensured there were no unnecessary blackouts. The beautiful period costumes added the finishing touch.

Choreography throughout was complimentary to the mixed abilities on stage and added to the spectacle of the big chorus numbers.

Highlights for me: Half a Sixpence, Money to Burn, In the Middle There’s Me and Flash Bang Wallop.

But most of all for the audience it was fantastic to be back watching live theatre and witnessing every one of you putting on a thoroughly enjoyable, professional standard production from beginning to finale.

Thank you so much for inviting me, congratulations to everyone.

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