With planks and bales of hay as well as more inventive props, the farmyard world has been cleverly conceived by designer Emily Bestow. It all comes together flawlessly under director Andy Room to present an egg-ceptional show that is an absolute delight for all ages.
Live theatre lovers are probably going to hate me for this one, but I have to say that I actually enjoyed the Half A Sixpence recording more than I enjoyed the show – but not by much!
While we may have no actual glass slippers or fairy godmother, this is a magical production full of laugh-out-loud humour and delightful songs – enough to satisfy the most demanding of the musical’s fans.
All in all, this collaboration between the Chichester Festival Theatre and Cameron Mackintosh is a splendidly handsome revival of a much-loved classic story, offering a fresh look at one of the greatest British musical scores ever written, and incorporating a lot of fine new writing by some of the most experienced creatives in the industry. It’s a delight.
Following its critically-acclaimed, record-breaking run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Cameron Mackintosh has announced that the production will open at the Noel Coward Theatre in London. Half A Sixpence will start previews on 29 October 2016, opening on 17 November and will book until 11 February 2017. The entire Chichester cast will transfer to the West End, starring newcomers Charlie Stemp as ‘Arthur Kipps’ and Devon-Elise Johnson as ‘Ann Pornick’ – alongside three times Olivier-nominated actor Ian Bartholomew as ‘Chitterlow’ and three times Olivier-nominated actress Emma Williams as ‘Helen Walsingham’. Based on H G Wells’s novel Kipps: The Story Of A Simple Soul, this production of Half A Sixpence is a completely fresh adaptation that reunites George Stiles and Anthony Drewe with Julian Fellowes (the creator of Downton Abbey). Together the team were responsible for adapting Mary Poppins for the stage. The score is inspired by and features several of … Read more
Peter Pan, the legendary tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up comes to life at the Adelphi Theatre in London for two special concert performances on October 25, 2015 with an all star cast. Bookings are now open. The musical with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Honk!, Mary Poppins, Betty Blue Eyes, and Soho Cinders) and book by the late Willis Hall. Heading the cast is Sheila Hancock as The Storyteller, Bradley Walsh as Captain Hook, Ray Quinn as Peter Pan and Jenna Russell as Mrs Darling. Join Peter and the Darling children as they travel to a land full of imagination and possibility featuring the mischievous Lost Boys and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook. Stiles and Drewe’s “timeless and tuneful score” (Independent) combines adventure, comedy and a real emotional punch. With further cast names to be announced shortly, the show will be sprinkled … Read more
Producers of the new musical adaptation of The Wind In The Willows have announced the show will open at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on October 8 2016, followed by the Lowry in Salford from 26 October 2016 prior to opening at the West End. The Wind In The Willows is being created by Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, based on the book by Kenneth Grahame, which has delighted readers for over a century.This is the first time that the Drewe, Stiles and Fellowes have worked together since they collaborated on the international hit musical Mary Poppins which ran for over three years in the West End and six years on Broadway and is now about to undertake a major UK Tour. Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale about the thrill-seeking, lovable menace Mr Toad comes to life in a brand new stage musical. Ratty, Badger and Mole join the exuberant … Read more
It was announced today the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Alison Jiear will join the cast of The 3 Little Pigs, the new musical by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe playing the role of Mummy Pig. The Olivier nominated actress will be performing alongside Simon Webbe (Blue, Strictly Come Dancing, Sister Act), Gareth Gates (Pop Idol, Dancing On Ice, Les Miserables) and Leanne Jones (Hairspray). This Great Big Little West End show premieres at the Palace Theatre on 5th August 2015. Book Now
