Half a Sixpence (2016 musical)

Half a Sixpence
Poster for the West End production
Music	George Stiles David Heneker
Lyrics	Anthony Drewe David Heneker
Book	Julian Fellowes
Basis	Kipps by H. G. Wells
Productions	2016 Chichester 2016 West End

Half a Sixpence is a musical based on the 1905 novel Kipps by H. G. Wells and the original 1963 musical, with music by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and Heneker, featuring several of the original songs by Heneker, and book by Julian Fellowes.

This production was produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre where it premiered in July 2016 before transferring into the West End in London at the Noël Coward Theatre in October 2016.

The show closed on 2 September 2017 after three extensions to its limited run.

Background

The original musical of Half a Sixpence, based on the novel Kipps by H. G. Wells, featured music and lyrics by David Heneker and book by Beverley Cross. The musical was originally written as a star vehicle for British pop star Tommy Steele who performed the role of Kipps originally in London in 1963, Broadway in 1965 and in the 1967 film adaptation. It was evident that the show relied on Steele as the star vehicle as he featured in twelve of the musical's fifteen songs.

Following the success with Mary Poppins, producer Cameron Mackintosh reunited the same team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to adapt Heneker's original songs and create new material for the production, with Julian Fellowes writing an entirely new book. The creative team also reunites Stiles and Drewe with Fellowes after Mary Poppins and the new musical adaptation of The Wind in the Willows (which also reunites director Rachel Kavanaugh, who also directed Stiles and Drewe's Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 2007).

Productions

Chichester and West End production

The musical premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre (as part of the final season of Jonathan Church as artistic director and Alan Finch as executive producer) from 14 July to 2 September 2016 as a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh. It was originally announced that Bryan Dick would star as Kipps, however he later withdrew to appear in the West End production of Hobson's Choice. It was later announced that newcomer Charlie Stemp would take over as Arthur Kipps alongside Devon-Elise Johnson as Ann Pornick, Ian Bartholomew as Chitterlow, Emma Williams as Helen Walsingham and Vivien Parry as Mrs Walsingham. The production is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, designed by Paul Brown, choreographed by Andrew Wright, orchestrations by William David Brohn, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter and video design by Luke Halls.

Following rave reviews in Chichester, the production transferred to the West End in London at the Noël Coward Theatre with previews beginning 29 October and press night on 17 November 2016. It featured the original Chichester cast and ran for ten months in the West End following three extensions to its limited run. Combined with the Chichester run, the production played around 400 performances.

Yorkshire Amateur Premiere

The Yorkshire Amateur premiere of Half a Sixpence (Subsequently renamed 'Kipps: The New Half a Sixpence Musical') was produced by Buttershaw St. Pauls AODS January 22nd - 25th 2020 at St George's Hall, Bradford. Wit support from George Stiles and Charlie Stemp, Buttershaw St Pauls AODS were invited to perform a 1 hour version of the show at the annual NODA Conference in Bridlington.

The cast was as follows:

Arthur Kipps - Nathan Hall Ann - Katie Mae Ramsey Helen Walsingham - Sophie Holdsworth Mr Chitterlow - Phil Jowett Mrs Walsingham - Catherine Riley James Walsingham - Rick Whyte Sid - Samuel Huggins Pierce - James Wilczynski Buggins- Richard Armstrong Flo - Jayne Whitehead Lady Punnett - Rebecca Burton Uncle Bert/Ensemble - Richard Szepler Aunt Susan/Ensemble - Anne Jowett Shalfor/Photographer - Neil Hellewell Mr Maxwell/Policeman - Paul Rae

The production revieved rave reviews from audience and critics alike. One notable review from Judith Smith (NODA Representative) said the foloowing:

This show is the updated, partly rewritten, favourite if the 1960’s ‘Half a Sixpence’.

Keeping a lot of the old favourite songs and characters but with some new music and the script written by Julian Fellowes (of Downton Abbey fame). It premiered at the Chichester Festival in 2016, transferring to the West End where, being such a success, its initial run was extended three times. And, following in its new tradition, what a ‘Flash, Bang, Wallop’ of a show and performance this was for its Northern Premier.

Act I was rather long but interesting and enjoyable in building up the story of Arthur Kipps, a simple, hard working shop assistant in a drapery emporium in Folkestone, happily falling in love with the young Ann Pornick, who turns out to be a Lady’s Maid, and each treasuring their own half a sixpence which goes together to make one. Arthur unexpectedly comes into a fortune and attracts the attention of an upper class family with a lovely daughter who makes a big impression on Arthur. Shortly everything goes wrong and the fortune is lost, Arthur goes back to his first love and everything ends happily.

Arthur was brilliantly played by Nathan Hall who had the young, ‘Cheeky chappie’ attitude, a good singing voice and brilliant movement and dancing. He was almost made for this part without imitating, in any way, its originator, Tommy Steele. His young love, ‘Ann’, simply played by Katie-Mae Ramsey matched him perfectly. There were other very strong and well played characters ‘Chitterlow’ (Phil Jowett), ‘Helen Walsingham’ (Sophie Holdsworth) Arthur’s upper class young lady, ‘Mrs Walsingham’ her mother, very expertly played by Cathryn Riley who held herself, spoke, moved and held the stage as an uppercrust Lady would. Costumes, hair and make-up all adding to her perfection. A very good part, very well played. Arthur’s friends from work, Buggins, Sid and Pierce, (Richard Armstrong, Sam Higgins and James Wilczynski), Flo the pert shopgirl (Jayne Whitehead), all adding to the melee of characters woven into this very simple story. Almost everyone in the Chorus had a small, named part, which were all played with the utmost professionalism but mention must be made of the Photographer, (Neil Hellewell) for the ‘Flash, Bang, Wallop’ number which finishes the show.

He had the audience in fits of laughter with his rather camp antics, (very reminiscent of Barry Humphreys in Are You Being Served). The show therefore concluded not only with a happy ending but with superb singing, dancing and a very good laugh.

The Costumes, hair and make-up were all excellent. The sound was perfectly balanced throughout the evening . Lighting was so effective and efficient as to be un-noticeable, scenery and the changes were again so efficient as to hardly be noticeable. The orchestra played well and at all times were at one with the stage. I certainly didn’t notice anything untoward throughout the evening.

The curtain finally came down with everyone on stage playing a banjo at the wedding of Ann and Arthur, so many congratulations to the props team.

The audience had sore hands in appreciation of a really enjoyable show.

Characters and cast

Character	Chichester 2016	West End 2016
Arthur Kipps	Charlie Stemp
Chitterlow	Ian Bartholomew
Ann Pornick	Devon-Elise Johnson
Helen Walsingham	Emma Williams
Mrs Walsingham	Vivien Parry
Lady Punnet	Jane How
James Walsingham / Photographer	Gerard Carey
Swing	David Birch
Mrs Bindo-Bott	Kimberly Blake
Uncle Bert	James Paterson	David Burrows
Head Waiter / Assistant Dance Captain	Nick Butcher
Shalford / Foster	Jon Conroy
Mrs Wace / Dance Captain	Jaye Julliet Elster
Mr Wace	Tim Hodges
Sid Pornick	Alex Hope
Flo	Bethany Huckle
Swing	Samantha Hull
Mary	Rebecca Jayne Davies
Miss Ross	Jenifer Louise Jones
Hayes	Matthew Dale
Policeman	Philip Marriott
Carshot / Maxwell	Harry Morrison
Buggins	Sam O' Rourke
Pierce	Callum Train
Mildred	Lauren Varnham
Aunt Susan / Lady Dacre	Annie Wensak

Musical numbers

Act I

• "Half a Sixpence" - Arthur Kipps and Ann Pornick
• "Look Alive" - Company
• "Money to Burn" - Arthur Kipps, Mr Shalford, Sid Pornick, Buggins, Pierce and Flo
• "Believe in Yourself" - Arthur Kipps and Helen Walsingham
• "She's Too Far Above Me" - Arthur Kipps
• "Money to Burn" (Reprise) - Arthur Kipps and Chitterlow
• "A Proper Gentleman" - Arthur Kipps, Sid Pornick, Buggins, Pearce and Flo
• "Half a Sixpence" (Reprise) - Arthur Kipps and Ann Pornick
• "Long Ago" - Ann Pornick
• "The Joy of the Theatre" - Chitterlow and Company
• "Just a Few Little Things" - Helen Walsingham and Arthur Kipps
• "A Little Touch of Happiness" - Ann Pornick and Flo
• "If The Rain's Got to Fall" - Mrs Walsingham, Arthur Kipps, Foster, Helen Walsingham, Lady Punnet and Company

Act II

• "The One That's Run Away" - Chitterlow & Arthur Kipps
• "Pick Out a Simple Tune" - Arthur Kipps and Ann Pornick
• "You Never Get Anything Right / I Know Who I Am" - Arthur Kipps and Ann Pornick
• "We'll Build a Palace / I Only Want a Little House" - Arthur Kipps, Helen Walsingham, Mrs Walsingham, James Walsingham
• "In the Middle There's Me" - Arthur Kipps, Buggins, Sid Pornick and Pierce
• "Long Ago" (Reprise) - Arthur Kipps and Ann Pornick
• "Flash Bang Wallop" - Arthur Kipps, Ann Pornick, Mr. Shalford, Pearce, Sid Pornick, Buggins, Flo, Photographer and Company
• "Flash Bang Wallop" (Reprise)- Chitterlow, Arthur Kipps, Ann Pornick, Mr. Shalford, Pearce, Sid Pornick, Buggins, Flo, Photographer and Company
• "Finale" - Company

Half a Sixpence (2016 Cast Recording)
Soundtrack album cast recording by Various
Released	18 November 2016 (2016-11-18)
Length	70:44
Label	First Night Records

Cast Recording

On Friday 18 November 2016, the 2016 London Cast Recording was released by First Night Records on CD and iTunes digital download. It features 23 tracks and was recorded live during the final three performances in the Chichester run.

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Half a Sixpence"	2:49
2.	"Look Alive"	3:38
3.	"Money To Burn / Money To Burn (Reprise)"	4:25
4.	"Believe In Yourself"	2:12
5.	"She's Too Far Above Me"	1:51
6.	"A Proper Gentleman"	3:34
7.	"Half a Sixpence (Reprise)"	2:02
8.	"Long Ago"	1:47
9.	"Back the Right Horse"	2:55
10.	"Just a Few Little Things"	3:58
11.	"A Little Touch of Happiness"	3:33
12.	"If the Rain's Got to Fall"	4:27
13.	"The One Who's Run Away"	3:27
14.	"Pick Out a Simple Tune"	5:23
15.	"You Never Get Anything Right / I Know Who I Am"	3:08
16.	"We'll Build a Palace / I Only Want a Little House"	3:46
17.	"In the Middle There's Me"	2:50
18.	"Long Ago (Reprise)"	1:36
19.	"Flash, Bang, Wallop"	5:52
20.	"Flash, Bang, Wallop (Reprise)"	1:55
21.	"Finale"	1:15
22.	"Simple Tune Bows"	1:27
23.	"Playout (Bonus Track)"	3:21
24.	"The Joy of the Theatre (Bonus Track)"
Total length:		74:38

Awards and nominations

London Production

Year	Award Ceremony	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref
2017	BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards	Best Revival of a Musical		Nominated
		Best Actor in a New Production of a Musical	Charlie Stemp	Nominated
		Best Actress in a New Production of a Musical	Devon Elise-Johnson	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actress in a New Production of a Musical	Emma Williams	Won
		Best New Regional Production		Won
	Whatsonstage.com Awards	Best New Musical		Nominated
		Best Actor in a Musical	Charlie Stemp	Won
		Best Actress in a Musical	Devon Elise-Johnson	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actor in a Musical	Ian Bartholomew	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actress in a Musical	Emma Williams	Won
		Best Direction	Rachel Kavanaugh	Nominated
		Best Choreography	Andrew Wright	Won
		Best Costume Design	Paul Brown	Nominated
	Laurence Olivier Awards	Best Actor in a Musical	Charlie Stemp	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actor in a Musical	Ian Bartholomew	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actress in a Musical	Emma Williams	Nominated