HALF A SIXPENCE

A musical comedy in 2 acts, 18 scenes: Book by Beverley Cross; based on the novel Kipps by H.G. Wells; Music & Lyrics by David Heneker

Cambridge Theatre, London - March 21, 1963 (677 perfs)
Broadhurst Theatre, New York - April 25, 1965 (512 perfs)

Synopsis

The play opens in Shalford's Drapery Emporium where Kipps works and lives as an apprentice draper. Ann, Kipps's childhood sweetheart, is in service so they don't get much chance to see each other. Kipps thinks that a lovers token might help the romance along but the next day brings news that is to change his life. He learns that solicitors are looking for him and consequently gets a little drunk. He is marched off to join his woodwork class run by Helen Walsingham. Kipps falls for her without much hope. Ann is cross with Kipps for not meeting her and walks out on him just before he learns that he has inherited a fortune. Spurred on by his new social standing Kipps proposes to Helen, but her family pressure makes him realise that Ann is his first and real love. Kipps and Ann marry but his yearning to maintain his social standing creates problems between them which are only resolved when a fortune is lost. A small fortune is offered to him ... he rejects it. "What a rum do everything is," he comments.

Musical Numbers

Act I

Economy - Kipps and apprentices
Half a Sixpence - Kipps and Ann
Money To Burn - Kipps and men's chorus
I Don't Believe A Word Of It - Ann and Shopgirls
A Proper Gentleman - Kipps and chorus
She's Too Far Above Me - Kipps
If The Rain's Got To Fall - Kipps and Chorus
The Old Military Canal - Chorus
Act I Finale

Act II

The One Who's Run Away - Kipps and Chitterlow
Long Ago - Ann and Kipps
Flash, Bang, Wallop! - Kipps and ensemble
I Know What I Am - Ann
The Party's On The House - Kipps and Ensemble
Half a Sixpence - Reprise - Kipps and Ann
Finale