Kipps The New Half a Sixpence Musical
Information
- Date
- 19th October 2022
- Society
- Brentwood Musical Theatre Society
- Venue
- Brentwood Theatre
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Owen Smith
- Musical Director
- Jamie Bell
- Choreographer
- Owen Smith
Kipps - The New Half a sixpence Musical, shares much with the original version including its energy and exuberance. With an experienced and talented cast, crew and musical team I was looking forward to this show and I was not disappointed.
The plot revolves around Arthur Kippps who as a young man shares half a sixpence with his childhood sweet-heart Anne Pornick; then he goes off to work for Mr Shalford in a haberdasher, with his friend Sid Pornick and a trio of girls Flo, Pierce and Buggins. After seven years Kipps falls for a well-to-do lady named Helen Walsingham. He discovers with the help of an acquaintance Chitterlow, that he has inherited a vast amount of wealth. Unfortunately, Helen’s family, brother James and Mother take advantage of him in order to restore their own lost status in society. Arthur tries to transform himself into a gentleman and enters the upper classes when he socialises at Lady Punnet’s house but he is reminded of his roots when he bumps into Anne who is now employed as a maid by Lady Punnet.
Ali Smith played the lead as Arthur Kipps. He portrayed a warm character, and exuded a likable often over trusting, working class, cheeky chappy. Ali’s working-class accent and excellent singing voice was sustained throughout the show and as an audience member it was easy to empathise with him, something that is essential for a lead role.
Anne Pornick was played well by Hannah Brent, Hannah had a beautiful singing voice and a loveable persona. She acted the emotions of Anne so well that you could see a tear in her eye when she sang Long Ago and the joy on her face in Flash, Bang Wallop. Helen Walsingham was played by Bryony Cotton. In complete contrast to Anne, Helen is well-spoken and dignified and also controlled by her dominant mother Mrs Walsingham. (Jane Horgan). Bryony also had a beautiful voice and her characterisation was consistent with a confident stage presence. Kipps was torn between the two women and the two lifestyles, but constrained by his working-class roots.
Kipps was keen to please, and a good friend, his relationship with the shop workers was a joy to watch. I really enjoyed Money to Burn, it was a great refection of the relationships and the characters of the shop staff. Sid Pornick (Ian Southgate), Flo Evans (Lauren Tidbuty), Pierce (Amelia McLintontock) and Buggins (Olivia Coote) all had excellent voices, energetic and fun choreography and helped build the plot proving that Kipps is well loved.
The shop owner Mr Shalford was played by Andy Gillet. He was tall, imposing and his character was such that the audience feared him as much as the cast. John Keeler confidently played Carshot, Mr Maxwell and the photographer, a good character actor adding great fun to the roles.
Other characters were equally impressively. Chitterlow was played by Martin Harris. What a great character. He had a fabulous ‘actor’ voice as he was a theatre director, he gave a different dimension to the eclectic mix of the cast and after initially taking money from Kipps became the benefactor at the end when his play was a success. Mrs Walsingham (Jane Horgan) was a haughty woman with no compassion for the working classes, she was domineering and selfish and surprisingly comedic. James Walsingham (Ben Martins) was Helen’s brother who tricked Kipps out of his money. He was close with his mother and didn’t seem to care about the consequences of his treachery. Lady Punnet was played by Lisa Harris. It was good to see a transformation from a cold snooty socialite to someone who warmed to Arthur.
Uncle Bert and Aunty Susan were played by Mick Kiel and Marcia Alderson. I particularly enjoyed their relationship with Kipps and the advice given by Uncle Bert.
On the whole, the cast and chorus were very impressive. The music was joyful and the choreography worked well in the small theatre. The lighting and the use of the smoke machine was a little confusing at times but there are certain restraints at this theatre that may have had some influence. The costume, make-up and hair were colourful and fit well with the era. Details like the uniform for the shop employees and the costume changes added to my enjoyment.
Thank you, Brentwood Operatic Society, for a really entertaining evening. I went home humming the tunes with a smile on my face.
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