(by arrangement with WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC LTD)

Music & Lyrics by DAVID HENEKER
Book by BEVERLEY CROSS
Based on the novel KIPPS by H.G. WELLS

Director/Choreographer DENISE ROBINSON
Musical Director RUSSELL HARROLD

LADIES CHORUS

Angle Astell, Carol Dicken, Liz Dovey, Chris Duff-Cole, Maria Holden, Emma Hudson, Laura Kilvert, Sheryl Lea, Emma Lester, Leanne McDonald, Marcelle Rollings, Yvonne Salt, Jade Spilsbury, Clair Spittle, Maggie Thurgur

DANCERS

Leanne Alexander, Sandra Birch, Stacey Birch, Jessica Bolas, Jo Bolton, Liz Bolton, Laura Fuller, Rachel Grace, Jackie Harper, Charlotte Haughtey, Claire Johnson, Lisa Jones, Tracey Spencer-Smith, Stacey Wall

GENTLEMENS CHORUS

David Ball, Phil Holden, Stan Holmes, lan Hunter, Peter Morris, Robert Picken, Dan Smith, Stan Till, Phillip Drinkwater

CHILDREN

Nicola Baker, Dominic Rollings

NON ACTING MEMBERS

Claire Andrews, Jackie Andrews, Lloyd Brookes, Anne Duff-Cole, Nick France, Chris Frost, Lyn Frost, Joan Grice, Jerry Hobbs, Stephanie Lea, Clive Marklew, Mick Moreton, Carol Porter, Andy Poulton, Tammi Poulton, Denise Robinson, Keith Rowley, David Smith, Graham Tarbuck, Jean Wadsworth, Chris Walker, Pauline Whittaker, Doreen Whild, Lindsay Flavell

LIFE MEMBERS

Kip Barratt, Jean Beard, Ron Beard, Joyce Brookes, Jenny Darlington, Chris Duff-Cole, George Ellis, Bob Frost, Michael Kemp, Rosemary Moss, Anne Palmer, Wendy Peterson, Maria Robbins, Olwyn Rowley, Maggie Thurgur, Ray Whittaker

CHAPERONES

Marcelle Rollings, Peter Rollings, Tracey Smith

SYNOPSIS OF SHOW

Half a Sixpence starring Tommy Steele and Marti Webb opened at the Cambridge Theatre London on the 21st March 1963. The show opened to rapturous acclaim of both critics and public. Fergus Cashin of the 'Daily Sketch' wrote "This gorgeous musical could pack them in anywhere in the world" and the 'Daily Mirror' dropping into cockney idiom as a compliment to the show's star enthused "Cor what a blooming triumph for Tommy Steele" It's a hit, hit, hit.

Based on the novel Kipps by H.G. Wells the show was the first collaboration of David Heneker music, and Beverly Cross book, and was specially commissioned by Harold Fielding as a vehicle for Tommy Steele.

Following the London run of 2 years he took the show to Broadway where it stayed at the Broadhurst Theatre for over a year. The highly successful film version was made in 1967 starring Tommy Steele with Julia Foster as Anne and Cyril Richard as Chitterlow.

ARTHUR KIPPS - Matt Elson

Matt joined the company for Mack and Mabel as a chorus member and graduated to play the leading roles of Stephen in COPACABANA and Billy Lawlor in 42nd STREET. After training at the Betty Fox Stage School for two years he appeared in a new musical version of GREAT EXPECTATIONS for BCC Ltd. With other local companies he played Nick Piazza in FAME, Mickey in BLOOD BROTHERS, also took part in 42nd STREET, ME AND MY GIRL and THE MIKADO, and last year Benny Southstreet in GUYS AND DOLLS. Television saw him in DANGERFIELD and BACK (JP, both for BBC. During a company sponsored week at the NODA SUMMER SCHOOL, he played Baby John in WEST SIDE STORY. Matt is also a keen songwriter and pianist. Matt stepped in at two days notice to play Paul San Marco in the City of Wolverhampton College production of CHORUS LINE at the Wolverhampton Arts Centre. Also played Lun Tha in THE KING AND I for South Staffs Musical Theatre.

ANN PORNICK - Rachel Cleary

First show with the company having previously played leading roles with Bilston and Bridgnorth Operatic Companies, including Maria WEST SIDE STORY, Annie ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and Mabel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. Rachel is hoping to attend a performing arts school next year. She would also like to thank the company members for their help and support.

HARRY CHITTERLOW - Nicholas Sullivan

This is Nick's first show with the company, but he arrives with a wealth of experience having appeared in musicals, operas, straight plays, farces and comedies. Favourite lead roles in musicals have been the title role in SCROOGE, Lord Evelyn Oakley ANYTHING GOES, and the Pirate King in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, all with the Bilston Operatic Company. He wishes to thank Muscom members for their warm support and encouragement.

HELEN WALSINGHAM - Alison Cowan

Alison joined the company in 2001 for Oklahoma playing the lead role of Laurey, following this with Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS. She studied classical ballet and tap from an early age at the Vera Hildreth Dancing School. Other theatre work includes Eliza Doolittie MY FAIR LADY, Agnes Gooch MAME, Minnie Fay HELLO DOLLY, Isabel/Helen SCROOGE, and Paltine THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE.

MR. SHALFORD - Kip Barratt

Kip joined the company in 1974 and has since played numerous parts including Emile de Becque SOUTH PACIFIC, Rudolph HELLO DOLLY, Carshot HALF A SIXPENCE, Mr. Fox MACK AND MABEL, Pop THE PAJAMA GAME, Elisha Whitney ANYTHING GOES, Clem Rogers THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, Capt. Bracket SOUTH PACIFIC, and Henry Miller CALAMITY JANE. Other theatre work Professor Higgins MY FAIR LADY, Ali Hakim OKLAHOMA.

SID PORNICK - Andrew Dowbiggin

First show with the company but at the Grand has appeared as Charlie Davenport in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and Frederick in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, both for the Bilston Operatic Company. He is very much looking forward to the show and feels privileged to be part of Muscom for HALF A SIXPENCE.

BUGGINS - Jonathan Hallmark

Joined the company in 2002 for GUYS AND DOLLS as a dancer, having gained experience with various youth theatre groups. Appeared as a Jet in WEST SIDE STORY and Fagin in OLIVER. Also keen on backstage activities, working during the Poetry Festival at Stratford with the likes of Michael Maloney, Diane Quick and Greg Hicks. Helped on set construction for the repertory season at the Grand.

PEARCE - Daffyd Gough

First show with the company but no stranger to the stage. Started at stage school at the age of five, and with various youth theatre groups played Joseph in THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Rooster ANNIE, Fagin OLIVER, and Doodie in GREASE. Gained two certificates with honour while training with L.A.M.D.A, Daffyd is also a chorus member of Bilston Operatic Company.

FLO BATES - Jayne Blakemore

Jayne started dancing at the age of four at the Roma Weekes School of Dance, joined the company as a dancer in 1999 for CRAZY FOR YOU. Since then she has played Lottie MACK AND MABEL, and Anytime Annie 42nd & STREET. Principal roles with South Staffs Musical Theatre include Sally Smith ME AND MY GIRL and Poopsie THE PAJAMA GAME. Jayne is also an enthusiastic member of both societies revue groups.

VICTORIA - Holly Stringfellow

Holly joined the company in 1992 as one of the children in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, followed by another child role of Freddie in THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. Appeared as a dancer in OKLAHOMA, GUYS AND DOLLS and COPACABANA, and as Lorraine Flemming in 42nd STREET. Also gained experience with Bilston Operatic Company, in ANNIE and SCROOGE, not forgetting BUGSY MALONE and LI'L ABNER with the Funcky Chicken Workshop. Started dancing at the age of four with Marilyn Harris School of Dance and at the age of thirteen spent three years with Carol Suttie, performing in many dance shows with both schools.

KATE - Kimberley Robinson

Kimberley has been singing and dancing since the tender age of 3 and has appeared in many musical productions with her Dance School in Penn, Wolverhampton. She joined Muscom in 1 994 as a junior member at the age of 8, firstly taking part in the Summer Shows then from the age of 14 joined as a dancer in many productions at the Grand Theatre. Very proud of her longstanding family connections with Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company. Played Phyllis Dale in 42nd STREET.

EMMA - Pascale Rollings

Pascale joined the company when she was 10 years old to take part in the annual Summer Shows. In 2002 she auditioned to be a dancer in GUYS AND DOLLS and has since performed in COPACABANA and 42nd STREET. This is her first part and she is delighted to be performing for the fourth year with MUSCOM. Pascale is a keen dancer having spent 11 years training with MARILYN HARRIS SCHOOL OF DANCE in Ballet, Tap and Modern dance.

MRS. WALSINGHAM - Maria Robbins

Maria joined the company in 1957 and has appeared in most of the company's productions. During these many years she has played many leading roles including Marsinah KISMET, Princess Maria CALL ME MADAM, Mai Lei FLOWER DRUM SONG, Sister Sarah GUYS AND DOLLS, Marian THE MUSIC MAN, Elizabeth ROBERT AND ELIZABETH, Sharon FINIAN'S RAINBOW, Tuptim THE KING AND I, Mrs Molloy HELLO DOLLY, Kate KISS ME KATE, Mrs Marshall IRENE, Helen Walsingham HALF A SIXPENCE. For South Staffs Musical Theatre Kathy in THE STUDENT PRINCE.

MRS DOTTING - Anne Palmer

Since joining the company way back, Anne has played many leading roles her favourite Bloody Mary in SOUTH PACIFIC. Other include Mrs Walsingham HALF A SIXPENCE, Mrs O'Dare IRENE, Mrs Harcourt ANYTHING GOES, Mrs Spofford GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, Katie MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and Maggie Jones 42nd STREET. Anne has been an active committee member during her many years with the company and is at present Vice Chairman and Company Business Manager.

YOUNG WALSINGHAM - Chris Wolverson

Chris joined the company in 1997 for SOUTH PACIFIC in the role of Lt. Joseph Cable. Since then he has played Pete CALAMITY JANE, Mingo CRAZY FOR YOU, Freddy MACK AND MABEL, Curley OKLAHOMA, Sky Masterson GUYS AND DOLLS, Pat Denning 42nd STREET. Made his stage debut in 1976 in OLIVER. His many roles include Perchic FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Bob CHRYSANTHEMUM, Judas GODSPELL, Gerald AN INSPECTOR CALLS, Sebastian TWELFTH NIGHT, Japhet A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER, Captain Barton TEN TIMES TABLE, and Bill Calhoun KISS ME KATE. As a member of the British Motorsport Marshall's Club he assists at racing circuits around the Midlands for many events including the British Grand Prix. Last year he was Director and Musical Director for the Albrighton Operatic Society's production of HIGH SOCIETY.

CARSHOT - Eric Page

Joined the company in 1983 and has since played many parts including Moonface Martin ANYTHING GOES, Clarkson IRENE, Chitterlow HALF A SIXPENCE, Hines THE PAJAMA GAME, Pawnee Bill ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Horace Vandergelder HELLO DOLLY, Sir Francis Beckman GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, Grandpa MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, Abner Dillon 42nd STREET and Rattlesnake in CALAMITY JANE. Other theatre work, Mr. Bumble OLIVER, Nicely Nicely GUYS AND DOLLS, Capt. Andy SHOWBOAT, Alfred Doolittle MY FAIR LADY, Capt. Doleful JORROCKS, President Roosevelt ANNIE, The Mayor MUSIC MAN, Sir John ME AND MY GIRL, Luther Billis SOUTH PACIFIC, and Avram FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Our Patrons' and you the public for your continuing support.
The Manager and Staff of the Grand Theatre
United Reform Church, Penn Road for rehearsal facilities
The support of our advertisers
Charles Robinson for park photographs
Louise Davies for poster design
Tom Bird Park Ranger
Properties by Howorth Wrightson of Manchester
Sheila and Kelly of Centreprint
Wigs by Showbiz of Southampton
Coles Furnishers of Bilston for transport

REVIEWS

Tuesday 8th March 2005 - Front Page

Rachel Grace as barmaid Laura and Nick Sullivan as Chitterlow with shop girls in the production of Half A Sixpence at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.
Hit muiscal Half A Sixpence is expected to delight audiences at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre from tonight. Tickets are still available for the spectacular production, put on by the Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company. Organisers say they have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks and promise it will be a fun-packed show.
It tells of the story of Arthur Kipps, who suddenly inherits a fortune before buying his way into high society. The play based on the novel Kipps, by HG Wells, and features an array of stunning costumes.
Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company are no strangers to the Grand. In the past they have put on well-recieved performances of 42nd Street, Copacabana and Guys and Dolls.
Iain Watkins, from the Grand Theatre, said: "Wolverhampton Musical Comedy have put on some of our best attended shows. I'm sure Half A Sixpence will be a treat for everybody".

The Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company dancers show a little leg

Looking jolly with brollies are members of the chorus from Half A Sixpence

Show stars Jonathan Hallmark, Andrew Dowbiggin,Rachel Cleary and Daffyd Gough

Theatre group is set to tread the boards

An amateur dramatics group is gearing up to wow audiences during a five-day run of the hit musical comedy Half A Sixpence at the city's Grand Theatre from tonight.
Members of Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company have been busy putting together the finishing touches to the show. The tale follows the fortunes of apprentice draper Arthur Kipps who inherits a fortune and sets about buying his way into society. But he doesn't find life in the new world quite what he had anticipated.
Based on the novel Kipps by HG Wells, the musical Half A Sixpence was originally written for Tommy Steele who stared in the show in the West End and on Broadway, as well as in the popular film version.
Amazing
David Heneker's lively score features a host of great numbers including Flash Bang Wallop, If The Rain's Got To Fall and Money To Burn. Producer and Choreographer Denise Robinson said the Penn-based group had worked hard to perfect the show, which will run until Saturday. "The cast has been amazing. They have put in so much effort to make sure that the show really will go with a swing," she added. "We have around 55 performers, ranging from 13 years old up to the adults, all of a very high standard. It has been a bit of a race against time to get everything ready for opening night, but our final dress rehearsal last night went really well and I'm certain we are ready to welcom the audience tonight".
Mrs Robinson said that leading lady Rachel Cleary and Matt Elson, who plays Kipps, were both fantastic.

Nick Sullivan as Chitterlow, Bride Rachel Cleary and Matt Elson as Artie Kipp

Theatre group is set to tread the boards
Wells parody is brought to life in staged musical By James Watson

The aisles were packed for a rollocking good night at the Grand Theatre last night. The Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company presented the hit musical Half a Sixpence and earned a standing ovation for an accomplished performance.
The musical is based on the novel Kipps by HG Wells and tells the story of apprentice draper Arthur Kipps, who inherits a fortune and loses it all but finds happiness and love.
The show begins with a seaside scene from a bygone age, where young couples court and children watch Punch and Judy.
It harks back to a more innocent era with the laughs coming from cheery jokes and fine physical humour.
But the show's real highlights came during the thumpingly good musical numbers, with the whole cast turning out for the likes of The Old Military Canal and Flash Bang Wallop.
Matt Elson put in a sterling performance as the hero Arthur Kipps, performing a role written for comic legend Tommy Steele, a cheeky chappie with a chirpy cockney accent he instantly earned a place in the audience's hearts.
But Nicholas Sullivan as the raffish gad about Harry Chitterlow stole all the biggest laughs in his first ever performance for the company. The show runs until Saturday, and tickets are still available.