The current production of the 60s musical Half a Sixpence, running at Chichester Festival Theatre through September 3, has announced a transfer to the West End. It will begin performances October 26 prior to an official opening November 17 at the Noël Coward Theatre.
The entire Chichester cast will transfer to the West End, including newcomers Charlie Stemp as Arthur Kipps and Devon-Elise Johnson as Ann Pornick, alongside three-time Olivier-nominated actor Ian Bartholomew as Chitterlow and three-time Olivier-nominated actress Emma Williams as Helen Walsingham.
This new stage version of Half a Sixpence, adapted from H.G. Wells’ semi-autobiographical novel Kipps: The Story of a Simple Sou, is a completely fresh adaptation that reunites book-writer Julian Fellowes with George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical team that co-creator Cameron Mackintosh first put together to create the hit stage adaptation of Mary Poppins with Disney. The score is inspired by and features several of composer David Heneker's exhilarating songs from the original production, including "Flash Bang Wallop," "Money To Burn" and "Half A Sixpence."
Half a Sixpence is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, designed by Paul Brown and choreographed by Andrew Wright. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn; the musical supervisors are Stephen Brooker and Graham Hurman, who will also conduct. Lighting is by Paule Constable with sound by Mick Potter and video design by Luke Halls. The original 1963 musical was written by Beverley Cross and David Heneker.
1963 | West End |
Original London Production West End |
1965 | Broadway |
Broadway Production Broadway |
2008 | Off-Broadway |
Musicals Tonight! Concert Off-Broadway |
2016 | West End |
West End Transfer West End |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | Olivier Awards | Best Actor in a Musical | Charlie Stemp |
2017 | Olivier Awards | Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical | Ian Bartholomew |
2017 | Olivier Awards | Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical | Emma Williams |
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