Half a Sixpence

CATS Youth Theatre

HALF a Sixpence is the story of Arthur Kipps who inherits a fortune, climbs the social ladder before losing everything and realising that even with money to burn, you just can't buy happiness. Following its recent revival in the West End, Louise Cohen and her team have gathered a very talented cast to bring you this top-tapping musical.

Elliot Hogben takes on the mammoth role of the endearing Arthur Kipps. Elliot really throws himself into the role with ease making full use of his comedic talents but also manages to tug at the emotional heartstrings. A really good performance from Elliot.

He is matched by a lovely performance from Em Cohen as Kipps' sweetheart, Ann, and their song, Long Ago, was sung beautifully. Em also did a fantastic job in choreographing the show. Lucy White as Helen Walsingham, the upper-class girl that Kipps falls for, also creates a lovely character and got a chance to show off her gorgeous vocals.

There are some great supporting roles in this production including the shop workers, Buggins (Oliver Gaskell), Pearce (Harry Cohen), Sid (Kenyon Garrish), Kate (Nikki Aspinall), Flo (Georgia Platt), Victoria (Natasha Weaver) and Emma (Charlotte Sutton) who all had the opportunity to perform some fabulous song and dance numbers throughout the show.

Equally as good where Jake Hill as shopkeeper, Mr Shalford, the upper crust, Mrs Walsingham and Young Walsingham, played by Amber Amos and James Howcroft. Billy Currid played the flamboyant playwright, Chitterlow, with ease and great comedic timing.

As always with CATS, the principals were supported by a very talented ensemble who all excelled in the company numbers and supporting roles. Far too many to mention but everyone worked so well together to create a polished production.

Alan Dodd and Simon White have again excelled with a brilliant versatile set with great attention to detail.

This really is a show packed full of music, song and dance which will leave you humming the memorable tunes as you leave the theatre.

Jason Crompton