Half a Sixpence, Willenhall Musical Theatre Company, Mill Theatre, Sedgley - review and pictures

And their choice of the new Warner Brown version of Half a Sixpence this year is no exception.

This wonderfully uplifting, amusing show, the movie version of which rose to fame in 1967 starring the Cockney talent Tommy Steele, alongside the quintessential English rose Julia Foster, just oozes traditional musical theatre, with everything from the madness and comedy of Flash, Bang, Wallop! to the boyish antics of All in the Cause of Economy, sung by a team of shop boys, to the romance of the title song. Every number tells a story and every character has his own tale.

It includes the perfect mix of old and new songs which blend together well, although fans of the original may be slightly disappointed if their favourites are missing. Never fear though; this talented amateur company works its socks off throughout the production to ensure audiences are thrilled.

Orphans and childhood sweethearts, Arthur Kipps and Ann Pornick, vow to remains faithful for life and to prove it, they cut a sixpence in half and each keep a piece, promising to look at it and think of each other every day. Time passes by, but eventually Ann tracks Artie down and they arrange to meet.

Artie is now working for Mr Shalford in his successful draper’s shop, oppressed by the system, but when he inherits a fortune of 1,200 pounds a year, he simply cannot believe it. But there are complications on the horizon when Miss Helen Walsingham appears on the scene. What shall he do?

Will Phipps as Artie is an extraordinarily physical comedy performer, as the role demands, with natural comedy timing and fearless antics. He also plays a very convincing, funny drunk. On stage in almost every scene, he works tirelessly to bring Artie to life.

Abbie Rai as his love interest Anne is in fine voice as always and her solo I Know What I Am is certainly a major highlight of the show. She brings just the right sense of modesty and sweetness to the role without appearing downtrodden.

Nikki Rai is snooty and stern as Mrs Walsingham and Kelly Ashman as her daughter Helen offers a very pleasing vocal performance.

The three shop boys are played to perfection by James Totney as Sid, Matt Wirtz as Pearce, and Simon Williams as Buggins, with great chemistry between them and are complimented by shop girls Beth Coalman as Kate, Sam King as Victoria, and Rachel Coalman as Flo.

Roger Stokes brings finesse and experience to the show as Chitterlow and the comedy expressions and movements of Dom Napier, who plays several cameo parts including a deck chair attendant, butler and photographer, draws the eye every time he appears. The perfect scene stealer.

Lyndsey Grant’s choreography is neat and completely authentic for the era, while musical director Dan Tomkinson has clearly worked hard with the cast to ensure the musical numbers zip along.

Other highlights include If the Rain’s Got to Fall, A Proper Gentleman, Money to Burn and of course the best-loved number in the show, Flash, Bang, Wallop!, which simply brings the house down.

Scene changes are slightly slow in act one, but then executed as well as the venue will allow, and the lighting could have been lower in parts so that the audience was not so aware of the cast moving props on and off stage.

But, all in all, director Alf Rai and his team should be proud as Half a Sixpence is another triumph from this excellent amateur group, who seem to gel together as a family both on stage and off, which certainly makes for a charming evening’s entertainment.

Catch Half a Sixpence at the Mill Theatre, Sedgley until Saturday.

For tickets call 01922 712904 or email WillenhallMTC@Yahoo.co.uk