Photo Flash: First Look at Chichester's HALF A SIXPENCE, Heading to the West End!

As announced earlier today, after rave reviews and a record-breaking run in Chichester, Cameron Mackintosh presents the West End transfer of the critically acclaimed hit musical "HALF A SIXPENCE" - which he co-produced with Chichester Festival Theatre - introducing the sensational new star Charlie Stemp as Arthur Kipps. Performances will commence at the Noël Coward Theatre from 29 October 2016, with press night on 17 November 2016. The first booking period is on sale until 11 February 2017. Scroll down for a look at the cast in action!

The entire Chichester cast will transfer to the West End, starring newcomers Charlie Stemp as 'Arthur Kipps' and Devon-Elise Johnson as 'Ann Pornick' - alongside three times Olivier-nominated actor Ian Bartholomew as 'Chitterlow' and three times Olivier-nominated actress Emma Williams as 'Helen Walsingham'.

This new stage version of "HALF A SIXPENCE", the musical adaptation of H.G. Wells's semi- autobiographical novel 'Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul', is a completely fresh adaptation which reunites book-writer Julian Fellowes (Oscar-winning screenwriter and creator of Downton Abbey) 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'.

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 Potterand video design by Luke Halls. The original 1963 musical was written by Beverley Cross and David Heneker.

Tickets - priced from £12.50 - £77.50 - go on public sale on Thursday 1 September at 10.00am. A limited number of £20 lottery seats will be released each day from 29 October at 10.00am in person at the box office. For more information, visit www.halfasixpence.co.uk.

Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan

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