A star is born!

*****
Charlie Stemp's dazzling performance drives this invigorating rework of the classic Tommy Steele vehicle to new heights. They really don't make 'em like this anymore, pure bliss of a musical, two hours of escapism, joy, dancing and of course, banjos.

From the opening scene, you know Half a Sixpence isn't going to be a tough watch. It's a charming Edwardian era old yarn of daydreaming draper's apprentice Arthur Kipps and his incredible stroke of fortune. After a chance meeting the cheerful Kipps discovers a mystery benefactor has left him a large inheritance, enough to set him up as a gentleman and leaving him free to woo one Helen Walsingham, a middle class society lady. But his heart is not his own to give, after a childhood promise to Ann, who has become a parlour maid. When the two meet again after 7 years, Arthur is torn between the old and new, Ann who knows him inside out and Helen, whose domineering mother has no qualms about spending his newly gained money as soon as an engagement is announced.

Not seen on the West End since 1963, this retooled version with a book from Julian Fellowes is an expert blend of old and new, with signature tunes from Stiles and Drewe such as 'Pick out a Simple Tune' and 'If The Rain's Got to Fall' aging very gracefully. Meticulously choreographed by Andrew Wright, Charlie Stemp is an athletic lead, whose charisma is magnetic as he takes 'Artie' from poor shop boy to flashy gentleman with an identity crisis. Everything about this knees-up of a show is beautifully produced, from the vivid costumes down to the wrought iron pier-inspired set that rotates from tailors into beaches, basements, an authentic 1900's pub and back again, complemented by an at once instantly recognisable and wonderfully fresh score with traces of vaudeville, ballads, banjo breakdowns and much more.

But it is truly the performances that make this show shine so brightly. Aside from Stemp, Devon-Elise Johnson and Emma William are utterly beguiling as Ann and Helen, (and the corners of his love triangle), Vivien Parry is on fine form as the angling Lady Walsingham. Elsewhere the rest of the cast are all tuned in impeccably, and Johnson's duet with the hilarious Bethany Huckle about ahem, needing a bit of male company is an entertaining highlight.

After showing at Chichester Festival Theatre this summer, it felt impossible that Sixpence could live up to the raptures of the critics on its West End Transfer, but by jove, they've done it. It truly is a gem of a show and a welcome addition for those of us who've been waiting for the return of a great British musical. Do not miss!

At the Noel Coward Theatre until 11th February 2016

Reviewed by Kitty
@ThisIsKittyMac

View our show pages for more information about Half a Sixpence, Noel Coward Theatre.