Half a Sixpence
Based on the novel ‘Kipps’ by H.G. Wells
Music and Lyrics by David Heneker
Book by Beverley Cross
Directed by Colin Burring
28 June – 5 July 1980
Half a Sixpence is a 1963 musical comedy based on the 1905 novel Kipps by H. G. Wells, with music and lyrics by David Heneker and a book by Beverley Cross. It was written as a vehicle for British pop star Tommy Steele. It was first produced in London’s West End at the Cambridge Theatre on 21 March 1963, with Marti Webb, in her first leading role, playing Ann.
Cast
Arthur Kipps – Derek Wheeler
Sid Pornick – Dennis Kingshot
Buggins – Graham Frosdick
Pearce – David Foord-Divers
Flo Bates – Janice Wood
Emma – Sarah Payne
Victoria – Judith Brace
Mr Shalford – Tom Ellis
Mr Carshot – Ray Bevan
Mrs Walsingham – Mavis Dunphy
Mrs Botting – Audrey Christiansen
Ann Pornick – Jeannie Poole
Harry Chitterlow – Reg Higley
Laura – Chris Jarman
Helen Walsingham – Claire Kingshott
Edith – Linda Murray
Mr Jones – Geoff Dixon
Young Walsingham – Tony Bate
Photographer – John Midlane
Gwendolin – Kim Daniels
Reporter – Alan James
Vicar – Mick Murray
Miss Shalford – Jane Platt
Arthur’s Auntie – Cathy Burring
The Photographer’s Mother – Jean Midlane
Mrs Shalford – Julie Spinks
Crew
Assistant Director – Pat Thornhill
Musical Director – David Ward
Choreographer – Julie Burton
Stage Managers – Len Huntley and Steve Parker
Assistant Stage Manager – Margaret Penny
Lighting – Mike Auvray and Alan Hunt
Props – Molly Pritchard, Viv Hollingsworth and Pam Horner
Wardrobe – Andrea Hammond, Joan Robarts and Marjorie Sawyer
Hairdresser – Heather Pearce
Scenic Artists – Kate McGuire, Trena Ansell, Jean Valsler and Chris Jarman
Rehearsal Pianists – Rosemary Brown and Paul Jackson