London View Map
Half A Sixpence tickets
3 critic reviews
***Final Extension - 2 September 2017***
Following a stunningly successful run in Chichester, Cameron Mackintosh's hit musical Half A Sixpence is playing at the Noël Coward theatre on London's West End.
Adapted from H.G. Wells' novel, "Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul," the musical is written by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey), with music composed by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, a top musical team put together by Mackintosh and previously responsible for the stage adaptation of Disney's Mary Poppins. The exuberant score features several of David Heneker's songs from the original production which he co-wrote with Beverley Cross, including 'Flash Band Wallop', 'Money To Burn' and, of course, 'Half A Sixpence.'
Arthur Kipps is an over-worked orphan, working as a draper's assistant in Folkestone at the turn of the last century. Kipps dreams of a better and more fulfilling world, but when he unexpectedly inherits a fortune, it turns his life upside down. Navigating his new identity does not come without challenges, and watching these conflicts are childhood friend Ann Pornick and the classy Helen Walsingham. Both of these women love Kipp, but who should he listen to?
As well as a profound observation on how the choices one makes can affect their life, Half A Sixpence is a joyous, exhilarating production that will have audiences on their feet every night.
Director Rachel Kavanaugh's previous work at Chichester includes The Music Man (2008), Love Story (2010) and more recently Single Spies (2016).
★★★★★ 'The undoubted hit of the summer, perhaps even the year' - Evening Standard
★★★★★ 'So warm you feel you're basking by the seaside. Pure gold. Bravo!' - Daily Telegraph
★★★★ 'High-kicking, heel-clicking, cartwheel-turning – sheer exhilaration' - The Times
★★★★ 'Flash, bang, wallop what a musical!' - Daily Mail
Click here to read our interview with Olivier Award Winner Anthony Drewe, who co-wrote with George Stiles the new songs.
Click here to read our review!
A nostalgic charmer that looks set to be a flash bang wallop hit.
This Half a Sixpence is the best London's ever seen
All in all this is a charming night out that is certain to warm the chilliest of London evenings this winter. The musical of the year.
Brian Mackie
Brilliant show
Great show, lots of energy from the crowd and the audience alike. Very close to the film version although a faster paced delivery.
I didn't know anything about this show before I went, and what a great surprise it turned out to be. The quality of the singing, acting and dancing is unparalleled, and Charlie Stemp's performance is absolutely amazing. Perfect for all ages, you'll be singing the songs for days to come!
I don't think Sixpence gets the recognition it deserves. Charlie Stemp plays the role of Arthur Kipp's role with soooo much joy and passion, it's just sooooo contagious. The energy and the enthusiasm of the whole ensemble is amazing, Sixpence will definitely leave a little smile on your face. Catch it while it lasts. One of the bests in West End at the moment!!!
Dorothy Roberts
We both thought cast, scenery and this story line was excellent and enjoyed this first class production.
London Mel
Really enjoy the show. A perfect old fashioned proper song & dance musical. Charlie Stemp as Arthur Kipps is absolutely amazing!
AliasBJG
Thought that we should see the show before it closes. It was one of the best decisions ever. The cast as a whole was amazing with Charlie Stemp toping the lot. We have seen most of the big shows and this is up there with the best.
Mary Vaughan
Very slick production and excellent performers but just that extra something was missing - no sparkle maybe?
Jeannie L
Great show excellent family entertainment. All actors brilliant. Great routines and singing by all. Set wonderful too - we really enjoyed our evening. Lead actor marvellous.
M flannagan
Half a sixpence was really good. Choreography was brilliant - as was the singing. Saw phantom of the opera the next night - not as good as half a sixpence - much preferred this show. Would recommend people to see this musical.
Christine Blake
Very enjoyable show from beginning to end the cast keep you entertained with singing, dancing and a bit of comedy.
I was lucky enough to attend 4 shows over 4 nights and Half a Sixpence was the most enjoyable of all. The cast were fantastic, the show and songs great and the finale left the whole audience on their feet shouting for more. Especially well done to Charlie Stemp who played Arthur Kipps - a class act and a young man with a big future.
Mrs Theatre
A great hit loved the energy of the Actors what an amazing cast the performance was so fresh !! Thanks for the spectacular show we left wanting to go back for more.
McCaffie
We thoroughly enjoyed this lively, nostalgic presentation. Though initially disappointed to be seeing Charlie Stemp's understudy, the standing ovation at the end was totally deserved. Dancing, acting and singing were all memorably good, and the staging and costumes most attractive and very clever.
Norman Lloyd-Edwards
The whole performance was one of happiness by the committed cast which boiled over to the enthusiastic audience. The costumes, settings, singing and dancing were brilliant The cheering at the end said it all. . A show my family and I shall remember for a very long time.
Best show I've seen for years!
Loved it, great choreography and energy
Birthday guest
Absolutely amazing cast especially Devon Johnson. This show is fantastic and makes a very enjoyable evening's entertainment.
You can't fault the cast of Half a Sixpence. Each and everyone of them gave a world class performance. Great entertainment.
Visitors from Derby
What a fantastic show!! The singing, dancing and orchestra was amazing. The effort the cast put into the show, especially Charlie Stemp who plays Arthur Kipps was outstanding. It got better and better as the show went on. We came out feeling great, dancing and singing all the way home. So glad we choose this show as it finishes in London soon.
Classic musical, Nice dancing, easy to understand for foreigners.
Last night I watched Half a Sixpence.....for the 4th time! Charlie Stemp is just amazing. He IS Arthur Kipps and he plays the part to perfection. That said I have also seen this show with his understudy, Sam O'Rourke, and he was brilliant too. The cast are all brilliant. This show is energetic, entertaining and just has a real 'feel good' quality about it. It closes on the 2nd September which I find baffling so if you want to see pure gold I would book tickets and go while you still can. You will be entertained from start to finish.
Alf Bones
Very entertaining and uplifting in this crazy world of violence
Having been in an amateur version of the show I was interested how the new version stood up to it. I wasn't disappointed as it was head and shoulders above. The scenery was innovative, beautifully done and seamless as you would expect from a west end show . Then there were the performers performing excellently crafted songs accompanied by slick and in some cases balletic dance routines with an eye watering finale. Styles and Drew must be congratulated on taking an old favourite of the stage and making it fresh new and exciting for old and young audiences alike. My final words though are for the young lead . He was terrific!!
Denis Collins
It was the most enjoyable night I have had in the theatre for a long time, amazing sets, dancing, acting and singing. Thank you for a great evening.
Mrs Jane Morris
this show was amazing full of energy well worth seeing
Such an energetic and lively show, really enjoyable .
What an amazing show! Took me back to my childhood days of watching Tommy Steele on TV. Really worth seeing-the cast is had such energy and the dancing and singing was brilliant. My girls (10 and 7 yrs) thought it was fantastic too!.
Kevin stevenson
What a performance credit to all who took part very enjoyable evening for my family
Margaret gray
Really enjoyed the show have seen it now twice and both times left with a 'feel good' factor vibrant and full of energy well worth seeing
Janette Woodman
Sam o'rourke and the cast were absolutely fabulous. He will go far.
Cracking show, seen a number of good Amateur performances, but this was extremely good, lots of energy and choreography was first rate. Lead characters excellent, and very good set. Music is excellent, and despite the 'updates' from the original version, a very good show. See it if you can before it closes.
First class energetic performance. Most enjoyable
Sergio Mckellen
This is one of the best shows I have seen so far I've seen it twice and both time it had the same high energy dancing and positive atmosphere that you want from a musical it never failed to put a smile on my face.
Liam Warne
One of the best shows I have ever seen in the West end.. We loved it so much and gutted that it's closing soon
We booked tickets for Half a Sixpence last minute after reading all the high reviews - half thinking it might be rather old fashioned. Not helped by the title and the images of the banjo playing lead on the posters. But we were so wrong! It was a fabulous high energy show with a heartwarming story and flawless performances from all the cast. What a debut for the talented Charlie Stemp. It was so good we have just booked to go see it again - this time with the children. Can't wait!
We booked for Half a Sixpence, unsure of what to expect, and this musical exceeded our expectations by far. We loved every bit of it, the costumes, the sets and the music. It was a gem and we would recommend it to anyone.
Pearlyqueen
Brilliant performance. My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We had excellent seats in the Grand Circle. Ticket prices very reasonable.
Helen & Dave - Lancashire
This is an oldish show in terms of musicals - but WOW what a revamp! My partner and I are both involved in amateur shows and expected the original version. The sets/revolves/costumes were all amazing and were kept in period. Charlie Stemp is a real find and the rest of the cast complemented him beautifully. As an ex dancer, it was a delight to see that the choreography was also in keeping with the period! The cast's energy, singing and dancing were a joy to watch, and whoever thought of them all playing banjos (yes really!) for the finale, was inspired! It was delight, and we were very surprised to see empty seats. We left, singing the original songs we knew and purchased a CD so we could listen again to the new songs. Huge congratulations to the entire cast. Would love to see the show again!
Robert Tavares
Full of energy Very upbeat musical numbers The star is Charlie Stemp Great voice Great dancer !! Will recommend highly to see this show Make sure Charlie is starring !!!
Mr B
We thoroughly enjoyed the show. A thrill from start to finish. My partner already wants to take her 3 girls (17-23) before the season ends.
Simon Hillier
Very enjoyable musical. Didn't have 5 stars as first half slightly drawn out and also some of the cast struggled to keep correct accents. However despite this would still recommend going to see it
The best choreography that I have seen in years! Charlie Stemp was magnificent!
The production is wonderfully reworked with new book and songs and crackerjack direction. Charlie Stemp is simply brilliant--a real find. And only age 22!! The supporting cast is great. If you want a wonderfully entertaining evening at the theater....go!!
Great music, great acting and fabulous dancing! Had you singing a 'simple tune' all the way home.
Great actors, music and plot! Great for families and kids! The performance secured a standing ovation last night! Five stars!
Remembered the Tommy Steele and was not disappointed with the show Flash bang what a night
Nicko
Hugely energetic show, well performed, good choreography. A very pleasant change to American musicals. Theatre is well suited to this scale of production. A thoroughly enjoyable night out!
Absolutely Fab. never a dull moment, fast paced all the way through.
This is an excellent show the cast were fabulous and the production first rate. Thank you
85-88 St Martins Lane London WC2N 4AU
No refunds or exchanges after purchase.
Cast Holidays
Charlie Stemp will not be performing on the following dates, inclusive:
20th July 2017 (matinee)
10th August 2017 (matinee)
14th - 16th August 2017
The producers of HALF A SIXPENCE cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
The 7.30pm performance of Half A Sixpence on the 24th August will be filmed.
You will receive a confirmation email. If you have chosen collect at box office please print the confirmation and bring it on the day, a minimum of 30 minutes before the performance start time. You will also need to present the card used to purchase the tickets as valid ID. If you have chosen to receive tickets by post, the tickets will be dispatched approximately 2-3 days after purchase.
'Flash Band Wallop', 'Money To Burn' and 'Half A Sixpence.'
29 October 2016 - 2nd September 2017 Monday - Saturday 7.30pm Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm
Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4AU Tubes: Covent Garden, Leicester Sq, Charing Cross, Holborn Buses: Destination Leicester Sq.14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 176