Half A Sixpence - Musical Review
On Saturday 26th August my friend and I secured a pair of front row tickets to see the matinee performance of the acclaimed musical Half a Sixpence at The Noel Coward Theatre. With Book by Academy Award winner Julian Fellows, original music and lyrics by David Heneker, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Mary Poppins the Musical, Honk!, Wind in the Willows and Soho Cinders). I gave this production a five star.
After it first premiered in July 2016 at Chichester's Festival Theatre, it then transferred to London's West End October 2016. It is produced by Cameron Mackintosh. I absolutely adored this production; blown away by the sheer dedication of all involved especially the company, and of course another stage door experience that I will never forget.
Based on the novel Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul by H.G Wells, it was used as a vehicle for British comic star Tommy Steele. This simplistic adaption tells the story of an orphan Arthur Kips, a draper's assistant, who unintentionally inherits a large fortune and adapts to being a gentleman in the high society where he is out of depths. He then finds himself caught like a thorn between two roses, having to decide between his childhood sweetheart, Ann Pornick or Helen Walsingham, one of his regular customers.
The production featured a list of musical theatre personalities such as Emma Williams, Jane How, Devon Elise-Johnson, Vivien Parry, Charlie Stemp, Ian Bartholomew, Bethany Huckle, Gerard Carey, David Burrows, Samantha Hull and many more.
I found the new music material very effective as it added excitement and anticipation. Such as 'Long Ago' 'Pick out a Simple Tune', 'Look Alive', and of course the iconic original number 'Flash, Bang, Wallop'. I thoroughly enjoyed the choreography by Andrew Wright and was blown away by the high energy of the entire company during the dance numbers. It was a cross between classic and modern dance with plenty of leaps, jumps, knee slapping whilst remaining slick and energetic.
Charlie Stemp performs the opening number ‘Half a Sixpence’ with Devon Elise-Johnson; this is the first duet in the show where Arthur offers a token of half a sixpence to Ann so that she may always remember him when he is away.
I particularly liked Emma Williams’s portrayal as Helen Warsingham a beautiful and classy lady unhappy with the position that she has been born into, she played the role with the right grace and decorum. Her chemistry with Charlie Stemp was heart warming from the moment she took on the role preparing him to join the high society circles, in the numbers ‘Believe in Yourself’ and ‘Few Little Things’ it became poignant.
However the atmosphere soon changed, to an uneasy one when she was surrounded by her pushy mother and wicked brother, played by Vivien Perry and Gerard Kelly.
The part of Flo was played by Samantha Hull, I especially liked her duet number with Devon-Elise Johnson 'Just a Little Touch of Happiness' this song was comical using slight puns and various actions while focusing on their dreams of settling down with a husband. Their connection was sweet and felt rather sisterly.
During 'Look Alive', I was in awe of the smallest of things, such as the upper class characters’ entrance into the shop as they stepped onto the revolving platform and began their journey around the stage; sitting in the front row I was able to identify each character. I found it a perfect addition as it added a certain surprise element to the show as well as being affective; later allowed the following scene changes to transition with ease. I haven’t witnessed a production with a revolve before so it was a great experience as well as being memorable.
'Long Ago (Reprise)', this duet was beautifully performed by Charlie Stemp and Devon Elise-Johnson and was the first time I got rather teary after constantly smiling and laughing throughout the previous jolly numbers. This song comes in towards the end of the show where Arthur and Ann's love is finally rekindled.
‘Pick out a Simple Tune’ was the showstopper in my opinion. This number begins with Charlie Stemp playing his banjo out of tune at Lady Punnet’s music evening but soon its infectious rhythm begins which eventually has the surrounding guests swinging from the chandelier, playing with ornaments and set pieces as though they were musical instruments. I especially liked the energy from the entire company as the song increased in tempo, and it felt like they had each left their inhibitions at the door. I liked the lyrics, which underlined a lot of the events and changes within Arthur’s life.
'Flash, Bang, Wallop', the well-known classic song also featured closing the show this was just one of highlights of the show followed closely by ‘Pick out a Simple Tune’. I could feel the stage vibrations throughout both numbers.
A special mention must go to Charlie Stemp in his first lead role after recently graduating from Laine Theatre of Arts he has taken centre stage in the title role. Throughout the production Charlie was constantly on stage as he led the company with high-energy. He did not once falter or break out of character and kept the cockney accent continuously throughout. Being in front row I could see the sweat beads coming from his face, observed his great facial expressions, and noted his comedic reactions to certain dialogue. He was humorous to watch and at times had me belly laughing. Watching him glide across the stage looked almost effortless. He is undoubtedly a triple thereat right through in every sense of the word with a gigantic future ahead of him.
I was lucky to meet a few of the cast members at the stage door at the end of the show! I got autographs from Devon Elise-Johnson, Vivien Parry, Samantha Hull and of Charlie Stemp to add to my growing collection. All extremely humble. I also secured a selfie with Charlie!
So to summarise, overall the production had me smiling from cheek to cheek and marks one of the only musicals that gave me goose bumps continuously. This is a feel good show and guarantees endless enjoyment from the raise of the curtain to the playout. I cannot stop listening to the cast recording and dancing along. I find myself at times closing my eyes and imagining I was seeing it all over again. Half a Sixpence closes 2nd September, however it has been recorded, so fingers crossed it is released as a DVD at the end of the year. I'll certainly be the first one to purchase and relive this outstanding British musical.
