Kipps the new Half a Sixpence Musical
Information
- Date
- 12th June 2024
- Society
- Lowestoft Players
- Venue
- The Players Theatre
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Daisy Rodgers
- Musical Director
- Michael Winter
- Choreographer
- Cerys Roscoe
- Producer
- Annie Richards-Croft / Ben Norman
The friendly welcome I received when arriving at the production of Kipps, the modern revival of Half a Sixpence was followed by a feeling of anticipation to see how this new musical was going to be delivered.
Arthur Kipps (Alex Bracey) had a good singing voice and portrayed his character with the cheeky-chappie style of rags to riches, as well as riches to rags and showed understanding of all the different facets of his personality. Ann Pornick (Lauren Wilson) was strong willed and determined while Helen Walsingham (Emma-Jayne Herbert) showed the well-spoken, bossy attitude needed. They both worked well with Kipps. The lads of the emporium Sid Pornick (Christopher Tanton-Willis), Buggins (Thomas Finch) and Pierce (Simon Warren) were suitably laddish and depicted competently the Camaraderie needed while Flo Evans (Hannah Lucas) characterisation was very good with her unrequited love issues. Chitterlow (Dan Clark) was bubbly and confident in his performance. The other roles Gloria Dashwood, James Atkin, Andrew Liddon and Jill Emerson added swagger and verve to the plot. The ensemble had passion which is needed in a production of this size.
The Director (Daisy Rodgers) which was lovely for me to meet and chat to, used the stage to the best, creating good levels and spacing. Maybe the chorus could have had actual drinks in their glasses the same as the principles in the bar scenes. The Musical Director (Michael Winter) added to the drama of the story, an impressive mood with some lovely harmonies. Very apt for the period. The Choreographer (Cerys Roscoe) dances were in tune with the era. I would have liked to see in a few of the songs a bit more choreography.
The digital backdrops designed by a member of Lowestoft Players looked great and the minimalistic style of the set and props produced more space for the cast to show their abilities. This worked well for the performance. The lighting was apt especially in the rains gotta fall scene. The costumes presented the appropriate age the rich and poor styles were effective.
I would like to mention Flash Bang Wallop and Pick out a simple tune. These numbers stood out for me and I really enjoyed them.
A few points to consider be careful of diction when speaking in an alternate accent and do think about using the cast for scene changes as the blackouts were slightly too long and affected some of the pace.
I had a very enjoyable evening watching Kipps and I thank everyone concerned with this production. Well done.
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