Review: CF5's Half A Sixpence

 

 

"Flash, bang, wallop, what a picture…what a photograph," and what a production of Half a Sixpence was delivered by CF5 at The Royal British Legion, Coleford over 5 performances last week.

From the opening number five Normal Working Day the cast promised a show that was full of energy, excitement and fun – and they certainly didn't disappoint.

The central role of Arthur Kipps, a young apprentice draper who inherits a vast fortune, was superbly played by Andrew Curtis, a newcomer to CF5.

He held the audience's attention with his wonderful facial expressions and a singing voice that raised the hairs on the back of your neck in his solo What Should I Feel?

Andrew was accompanied by a delightful cast, including the splendid Maddy Flagg as his childhood sweetheart Ann and adding a touch of colour and humour, the superbly entertaining Henry Banks as Mr Chitterlow, the actor who brings news of Arthur's inheritance.

The trio of Sid, Buggins and Pearce, played by Mike Turner, Don Grant and Noel Avis belted out some superb songs and provided a wonderful contrast to the stiff upper class characters of Mr and Mrs Walsingham, portrayed by Bill Grant and Stephenie Chorley.

As Arthur becomes accustomed to his new position, he loses interest in his childhood love, Ann, and instead finds his head turned by the wealthy Helen, played beautifully by Becky Morgan.

Despite her love of Kipps just as he was, Arthur finds the pressures and expectations of high society too much and ultimately chooses to win back Ann.

When Arthur's money is stolen by Walsingham he is fortunate in that his friends at the draper's shop have not turned their backs on him.

Along with the men; Kate, Victoria and Flo, played with great energy by Alison McCausland, Emily Sprinks and Heather Allen, welcome the couple back.

If the leading actors were superb, the quality of the performances were held up by the chorus and children under the direction of Laura Hunt and the musical direction of David Hull.

It was lovely to see a new generation on the stage learning their craft and performing with such heartfelt joy.

With performances like those given by everyone involved in Half A Sixpence, CF5 is sure to have a bright future ahead of them.

 

Philippa Larcombe.