Flash, Bang, Wallop! The writing team behind the stage version of Mary Poppins re-unite to update this classic British musical
Arthur Kipps, an orphan, is an over-worked draper’s assistant at Shalford’s Bazaar, Folkestone, at the turn of the last century. He is a charming but ordinary young man who, along with his fellow apprentices, dreams of a better and more fulfilling world, but he likes his fun just like any other, except not quite. When Kipps unexpectedly inherits a fortune that propels him into high society, it confuses everything he thought he knew about life.
Watching him wrestle with his new identity is his childhood companion and not-quite girlfriend, Ann Pornick, who sees with dismay how Arthur is being made over in a new image by the beautiful and classy Helen Walsingham. She is always there with helpful hints on how Arthur could improve himself and make his life richer and more meaningful, if only he would believe in himself, and listen to her. Both of these young women love Arthur – there is no doubt about that – but which should he listen to? With the help of his friends, Arthur learns that if you want to have the chance of living the right life, you need to make the right choices.
This new stage version of Half A Sixpence, which returns to the H. G. Wells semi-autobiographical novel, “Kipps”, in order to reinvent the musical “Half a Sixpence” for the modern age, has a stellar creative team and reunites bookwriter Julian Fellowes with George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical team that co-creator Cameron Mackintosh first put together to create the smash-hit stage adaptation of Mary Poppins with Disney. Julian Fellowes’ masterful adaptation returns the musical to its literary roots, in a timeless and contemporary way, and Stiles and Drewe’s brilliantly infectious new score harnesses the David Heneker classics with a joyous verve.
PRODUCTION TEAM
DIRECTOR - DREW BAKER
MUSICAL DIRECTOR - MANDY MORRIS
CHOREOGRAPHER - KATY THOMAS
20th - 22nd August, Boulevard theatre
Would you like to be part of the show? Here is some key information:
SHOW WEEK DATES
● Get in: Monday 17th August
● Technical rehearsal: Tuesday 18th August
● Dress rehearsal: Wednesday 19th August
● Performances: Thursday 20th - Saturday 22nd August (7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm).
It is vital that cast members must attend all these dates
REHEARSALS
A full rehearsal schedule will be sent out once the show is cast. Rehearsals take place on a Sunday and Tuesday evenings - 7.30pm-10.00pm at Vision Arts.
You will not be called for all rehearsals! If you are aware that you are unable to make certain dates, please make this known on your audition form. We will do our best to work around planned absences as much as possible
FAMILIARISATION- TUESDAY 5TH MAY
A chance to come along and meet the production team and run through the audition pieces. This night is optional, providing you know the audition pieces and are prepared to audition with them on Sunday.
AUDITIONS - SUNDAY 10TH MAY
To be considered for any principal role, you must audition.
Those who do not wish to be considered for any ensemble speaking or singing roles do not have to audition, but we still need you to fill in the online audition form to indicate that you wish to take part in the show.
Please ensure that you inform us of all roles you wish to be considered for.
Auditions will take place on SUNDAY 10TH MAY at Vision Arts, Haverfordwest.
An audition timetable will be shared with you no later than Friday 8th May.
Please note that these are closed room auditions and only the audition panel will be present in the room.
If you are unable to make the audition date, please drop a note on your form below and we will do our best to find an alternative solution.
CHARACTERS
PRINCIPAL ROLES
Arthur Kipps (Baritone) - Apprentice to Shalfords Bazaar who comes into a fortune, chirpy, sincere, very likable. Strong actor, dancer and singer. (18-25).
Ann Pornick (Mezzo-Soprano) - Childhood companion to Arthur, works as a domestic maid, sweet natured, girl next door, working class. Strong mezzo voice required. (20+).
Chitterlow (Baritone) - Actor, playwright and impresario, flamboyant, eccentric showman, takes Arthur under his wing. Strong actor and singer. (40+).
Sid Pornick (Baritone) - Apprentice at Shalford’s Bazaar, Ann’s brother and a Socialist, feels injustices. Strong character actor (20+).
Pierce (Baritone) - Apprentice at Shalford’s Bazaar, A Dandy, show off, fancies himself. Strong singer, able to sing in harmony. (20+).
Buggins (Baritone) - Apprentice at Shalford’s Bazaar, A Pessimist, unsure, more dour and earnest than the others. Comedy actor, able to sing in harmony.(20+).
Flo Evans (Mezzo-Soprano) - Head Window Dresser at Shalfords –nice, chirpy, confident. Strong comedy actress required, with good singing ability. (20+).
Helen Walsingham (Soprano) - Educated, classy suitor to Arthur, kind. Strong singing range. Clipped RP. (20+).
Mrs Walsingham (Soprano) - Helen’s mother - over-bearing snob. Comedic actress with a strong soprano voice. (50+).
James Walshingham (Baritone) - Helen’s brother – financial adviser, a charlatan. Confident singer. (20+)
Lady Punnet (Soprano) - Wealthy friend to the Walsingham’s, comes from a privileged background (35+).
Mr Shalford (Baritone) - Proprietor of the store, gruff, proud man. Good singing and acting ability. (50+).
Featured ensemble
Mr Maxwell (Baritone) - An architect (any age).
Photographer (Baritone)- Photographer at the wedding of Ann and Kipps (any age).
Ms/Mr Carshot- Floor-walker at Shalford’s Bazaar, dedicated, been doing the same job for years, bit down trodden (any age).
Aunt Susan Kipps and Uncle Bert Kipps - Arthur’s Aunt and Uncle – working class, salt of the earth types who own their own little shop (50+).
Lady Dacre/Mrs Bindo-Botting - Wealthy friends of Lady Punnet (40+).
Hayes/Miss Ross - Students at Miss Walsingham’s evening class. (any age).
Foster - Lady Punnet’s Butler (any age).
Ensemble Shoppers, Crowd, Party Guests, Policemen, Waiters, Maids, Posh Ladies and Gentlemen, Promenaders, Wedding Party Guests, etc