Review from Love Midlands Theatre:
BMOS Musical Theatre Company take to The Alexandra’s stage this week with their latest production, Half A Sixpence. Following a successful run in the West End in 2016, receiving critical acclaim, numerous awards and nominations, this production has done the rounds on the community theatre circuit ever since. Based on the novel ‘Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul’ by H G Wells, this rag to riches story follows Arthur Kipps who inherits a fortune, but soon realises that money can’t buy love or happiness.

It is a fantastic vehicle for a leading man, especially as the musical was originally written for Tommy Steele who featured in 12 of the 15 numbers. In this new version (by Warner Brown), Kipps appears in an impressive 18 out of 24 numbers, quite the feat for Daniel Parker, who takes on the role with great aplomb. A typical cheeky chappie, his enduring performance and great voice held the show together excellently.

There was an abundance of supporting talent from this incredibly large ensemble cast, who filled the vast Alexandra stage. The sextet of shop boys and girls (Neil Ward, Alex Nicholls, Andrew Treacy, Morgan Bebbington, Rosie Harvey and Charlotte Boyer) showcased impressive harmonies throughout, particularly highlighted in the Economy (Reprise)near the close of the show. Plus, there were some notable performances from Carys Wilson(Helen), Jo Smith(Mrs Walsingham) and Lee Navin(Walsingham).

However, two further standout performances of the night came from Annabel Pilcher as Ann and Jake Genders as Chitterlow. Pilcher’s stunning voice filled the auditorium and her gritty performance of I Know What I Am was a real show-stealer. Meanwhile, Genders flamboyancy was an utter joy, encompassing the role of Chitterlow hilariously.

Most importantly, it must be remembered that this was very much an ensemble show, which was perfectly illustrated in Flash, Bang, Wallop– dealing with such an iconic number, the cast nailed it, in slick, drilled fashion, under the choreographic direction of Suzi Budd.

Directed by Stephen Duckhamand musically directed byDavid Easto, the cast and creative team of BMOS have brought to life this 1960s musical with great sophistication. It has, what you might call…finesse.

Half A Sixpence plays at The Alexandra until Saturday. ... See more

Review from Choice Radio Worcester

Although they have been going now since 1886, this is the first time BMOS Musical Theatre Company have staged Half A Sixpence (a coin unknown to the younger members of the cast!). This is the show, based on the book Kipps by H G Wells, for which Tommy Steele is perhaps best known in both its stage and film versions.

And a colourful show it is too, taking place in Folkestone in 1905. The Kipps in question is the orphaned Arthur Kipps, brilliantly played by Welshman Daniel Parker, who, following a surprise allowance of £1200 a year from a deceased relative, finds himself something of a fish out of water as he moves into the moneyed class. Unfortunately this means putting aside the love of his life Ann (Annabel Pitcher) with whom he had split a sixpenny piece when they were kids as a token of love, and takes up instead with Helen (Carys Wilson) from the Walsingham family who are very distantly related to someone with a title. And with it, out goes any acceptance of his tendency to drop his "aitches" as this simply will not do!

Being the musical version of Kipps, there are plenty of songs to get to grips with, solos and ensemble pieces. Other than the title song, the most famous is, of course, Flash! Bang! Wallop! which brought together the entire cast in a glorious and colourful singing and dance routine which counterbalanced nicely the rather more sombre duet between Kipps and Anne called Long Ago which had featured a few moments before and which highlighted perfectly the couple's singing abilities. In fact, all the singing was top notch to be fair.

With nearly 50 performers on stage (and with great musical accompaniment from the 12 piece Midland Concert Orchestra hidden underneath it) this a feelgood musical which, in spite of Kipps's difficulties, you know is going to end well.

A million miles from H G Wells's other classic book-turned-musical War Of The Worlds, this is another successful crowd-pleaser from BMOS and one which both the cast and audience obviously enjoyed.

And if you can't get enough of BMOS and want a seasonal treat, then they will be presenting A Christmas Carol at the Alex from November 26th to 30th. An early Christmas present for lovers of musicals! ... See more