I will confess I’d never heard of ‘Half a Sixpence’ but I know Clive Brill always brings a rip-roaring musical to the Big Top tent on the Greensward, and I’m delighted to say: I was thoroughly delighted!
This is a five-star production which had me smiling all the way through – and laughing the hardest I ever have at a show.
But before we dig into the details, I feel I have to share the huge seating improvements brought in this year. Regular attendees will know you used to need a cushion for the hard seating. This is no longer a requirement because the set-up has changed and it’s all for the better!
Brand new seats have been brought in which are comfy and wide, plus you now have oodles of leg room (perfect for all that toe-tapping!) and the viewing angles are superb. I even think they’ve improved the heating and ventilation because I didn’t get chilly nor overheat once!
Now that you know you can sit comfortably, let’s get back to the show.
‘Half a Sixpence’ is based on the H.G. Wells novel ‘Kipps: The story of a simple soul’ published in 1905, which was musically adapted by David Heneker in 1963, and has now been reimagined by Julian Fellowes with new songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
The plot is a timeless classic: Arthur Kipps (Joseph Riley) is a simple guy who works in a drapery store. He comes into an unexpected large inheritance, is forced into a social status battle, has to fend off hungry fortune seekers and ends up in a tug-of-love war between two very different women who have stolen his heart. Who does he really love? Who is he deep down? What will really make him happy in the end?
These are all the big questions which are answered with huge songs and dances. The costumes are spot-on, the routines are expertly choreographed and the humour is constant.
Bryan Hodgson (Director) has done an absolutely brilliant job of teasing out the bigger underlying issues while putting on a big show that’s teeming with charm, nostalgia, quaintness and a wholesome loveliness that had me smiling non-stop.
Joseph Riley absolutely owns the role of Arthur Kipps. He is warm, funny, naïve, vulnerable and the audience whole-heartedly wanted the best for him. The role of Helen, played by Dani Brennan in the performance I watched, was exceptional. She is an exquisite songbird who I could listen to all night. Ann (Amber Hoilie) despite having a more humble presence in the show (as necessitated by the story) has a huge powerful voice that packs a decent punch.
There are some fantastic memorable scenes in this production. I particularly loved the song ‘Believe in yourself’ because Dani Brennan’s voice is exceptional. The bar scene with ‘Money to Burn’ is great fun and the harmonies of ‘In the Middle There’s Me’ were superb.
But the absolute showstopper which had me laughing so much I had tears all over my t-shirt was ‘Pick Out a Simple Tune’. Not only is this mad comic genius, it’s an eye-ball swivelling array of fun and dance and absolute chaotic mayhem which will have you giggling for ages after.
In the words of Arthur Kipps ‘Half a Sixpence’ is phantasmagorically stupendous!
‘Half a Sixpence’ runs from 18th August 2026 to 29th August 2026
https://frintonsummertheatre.littleboxoffice.com/browse
Reviewer: Samantha Collett
Reviewed: 18th August 2026
North West End UK Rating: