Half a Sixpence

When Cameron Macintosh decided to revive the 1960s musical Half a Sixpence, he had no idea it would prove such a huge hit. Re-imagined to perfection for the twenty first century, the results have thrilled audiences at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Now it's due in the West End for a well-deserved transfer. If you never saw the original musical and haven't seen the movie you'll adore this rags-to-riches-and-back-again tale, a feel-good story you won't forget in a hurry.

The delightful Charlie Stemp, a new and considerably talented actor, gives the role of Arthur Kipps a quirky new feel all his own. The marvellous Devon-Elise Johnson plays Ann Pornick and the three-time Olivier-nominated actor Ian Bartholomew plays Chitterlow. Emma Williams, another three-times Olivier nominee, plays Helen Walsingham. Julian Fellowes has written the book and the talented composers George Stiles and Anthony Drewe have penned a bunch of new songs to complement a handful of the remaining original show tunes, including Flash Bang Wallop, Money To Burn and Half A Sixpence. The result is simply splendid, a musical theatre tour de force. Don't miss it!