Shaftesbury’s amateur dramatics society invite you to come along and be part of the new Half A Sixpence musical production this summer
Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s Music and Drama Group are delighted to be able to stage Kipps – The New Half a Sixpence Musical as their summer show. The book, by HG Wells, was updated for the stage by Julian Fellows, and then the stage version was rearranged by Cameron Macintosh – what could be more joyous?
Kipps is an orphan, working as a draper’s assistant in Folkestone for strict owner, Mr Shalford. Kipps is charming and hard working, but also enjoys his fun and dreams of happiness with enough money to marry his childhood sweetheart Ann. When he unexpectedly comes into money, he attempts to better himself – rather disastrously – and meeting and falling for the high-born Helen. Between Ann and Helen, Kipps doesn’t know which way to turn.
Would like to be a part of it?
The group are about to start casting – the characters span different ages, with lots of opportunities for anyone interested. In all there are 12 principal parts, 11 smaller speaking parts and a variety of chorus characters. There are two parts for under 16s – the young Kipps and Ann who appear at the beginning of the show.
There are no less than 25 musical numbers, including Half a Sixpence, Pick Out a Simple Tune and the iconic Flash Bang Wallop. Lively dance routines and a riot of colourful costumes.
And it’s not just about acting – help is also needed with costumes, building and painting set, or simply joining the front of house team.
Everyone is invited to the interest evening to see a clip of the show and talk to the director and musical director on 5th Feb at 7.30pm in the Rutter Room at the Arts Centre. If you can’t attend but would like to know more, then please email stage@shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk for more information. The show itself is on in the second and third week of July and auditions will be in February, following the interest evening.
