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.
The musical premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre 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.
Characters and cast
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" - Arthur Kipps and Chitterlow
"A Proper Gentleman" - Arthur Kipps, Sid Pornick, Buggins, Pearce and Flo
"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" - 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" - Chitterlow, Arthur Kipps, Ann Pornick, Mr. Shalford, Pearce, Sid Pornick, Buggins, Flo, Photographer and Company
"Finale" - Company
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.
