Following rave reviews for the new production of Half A Sixpence and its incredible leading man Charlie Stemp, producer Cameron Mackintosh announced today that the show would extend its run at the Noel Coward Theatre until 22 April 2017. Read our review for Half A Sixpence.
This completely fresh stage adaptation takes David Heneker’s original songs adding a revised book by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, School Of Rock), adding new songs from British musical theatre team George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Mary Poppins, Just So, Betty Blue Eyes).
Arthur Kipps, an orphan and over-worked draper’s assistant at the turn of the last century, unexpectedly inherits a fortune that propels him into high society. His childhood companion, Ann Pornick, watches with dismay as Arthur is made over in a new image by the beautiful and classy Helen Walsingham. Both young women undoubtedly love Arthur – but which of them should he listen to? With the help of his friends, Arthur learns that if you want to have the chance of living the right life, you need to make the right choices.
Half A Sixpence is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh who recently directed the Olivier nominated Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Open Air Theatre. The production is designed by Paul Brown, with choreography by Andrew Wright (Chichester/West End production of Guys and Dolls, the UK Tour of Barnum and forthcoming Moby Dick at the Union Theatre) with orchestrations by William David Brohn. The musical supervisors will be Stephen Brooker and Graham Hurman, who will also conduct; with lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter and video design by Luke Halls. The original 1963 musical was written by Beverley Cross and David Heneker.
