Overview
Synopsis
Half A Sixpence is a musical adaptation of H.G. Wells’s autobiographical novel Kipps: The Story Of A Simple Soul.
The musical tells the tale of the changing fortunes of Arthur Kipps, an orphan and draper's assistant at Shalford’s Bazaar in Folkestone, Kent at the turn of the twentieth century. Kipps is an easy-going working class lad, who is happiest with his banjo. However, when he unexpectedly inherits a fortune from an estranged grandfather, he is suddenly propelled him into high society. He catches the eye of Helen Walsingham and her money-grabbing family, who are desperate to restore their family fortune. His childhood sweetheart, Ann Pornick, is forced to watch helplessly as Helen attempts to transform Kipps into perfect husband material. Both young women undoubtedly love Kipps in their own ways but by the time he makes up his mind which one he wants, it may be too late. When he loses his money (thanks to the fraudulent behavior of Helen’s brother, James), Kipps is reminded of his roots and where his heart truly lies.
Show Information
Context
This guide is based upon the new version of Half a Sixpence which premiered in Chichester in 2016 before moving into London’s West End. It is based on the original 1963 musical and many of the songs remain the same, with a couple of new additions. This updated version is currently licensed by MTI.
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Character Portrayals
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Songs
Act One
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 (Reprise) - Arthur Kipps and Chitterlow
*A Proper Gentleman - Arthur Kipps, Sid Pornick, Buggins, Pearce and Flo
Half a Sixpence (Reprise) - Arthur Kipps and Ann Pornick
Long Ago - Ann Pornick
*The Joy of the Theatre - Chitterlow and Company
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 Two
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 (Reprise) - 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 (Reprise)- Chitterlow, Arthur Kipps, Ann Pornick, Mr. Shalford, Pearce, Sid Pornick, Buggins, Flo, Photographer and Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher