What a show! Not to be missed! says Claire Kelly of Friends of Southport.

Full of talent! A feast for the eyes and ears! Great Songs! Book now! (It’s only on one week!)

In the programme, I read the show is based on the H. G. Wells novel, ‘KIPPS – The Story of a Simple Soul’. “ We walk, skip & dance through the story of Arthur Kipps, a rags to riches hero who finds his simple life turned upside down by fate!”

We had the pleasure, on Saturday, of being in the audience of “Kipps” on it’s opening night. It was an energetic, feel-good show which simply got better and better as the show went on. I didn’t know this show very well, but surprisingly knew quite a lot of the songs and the story was very charming- a rags to riches story with a moral that money doesn’t bring happiness.

The show began with Kipps and Ann, childhood sweethearts, in dialogue which led into the famous musical number, “Half a Sixpence.” Sang by the couple. Craig Billington certainly played the character of Kipps to a tee, as a real ‘cheeky chappy’ and was noticeably a good mover too. Olivia Andrews, as Ann, was delightful on stage, with a sweet singing voice and a very natural acting style.

A special mention goes to Alan Casserley who played ‘Chitterlow.’ Alan commanded the stage with flamboyance and authority and his performance really stood out. Samantha Keen as ‘Helen Walsingham’ also gave an elegant and sophisticated performance, which was perfectly apt for the character. Liz Clarke as ‘Mrs Walsingham’ gave the right tone of self importance, plus a hint of comedy to the role, as it warranted.

The chorus were all individually excellent and all engaged in their roles, even in the crowd scenes. ‘Lucie Colman’ gave an impressive performance throughout as did ‘Dave Sidney’ who was very comical, especially his facial expressions in the Woodworking class scene, making the audience laugh.

The costumes were beautiful; with eye catching period lace and frill dresses worn by the ladies. Scenery was somewhat basic but effective and adequate, despite a wobbly lamppost! Scenery changes were prompt and without hitches.

I would like to mention the brilliant orchestra who played so professionally under the direction of Corey Gerard, a talented young musical director.

It has to be said, there are a lot of great musical numbers in this show, and they were executed fantastically. The well known song, “Flash Bang Wallop- What a picture !” being a highlight, along with the lesser known “Pick out a Simple Tune!”

The stage was electric in the musical numbers and notably every member of the society was giving their heart and soul in their dancing and singing! The audience were clapping along, and it felt like we were in the West End! There was a great atmosphere in the auditorium.

There was tea/ coffee/ sweets and icecream served in the interval. The only downside was that the disabled lift was out of order, which could pose a problem this week. My friend, who has a Disability was greeted with offers of theatre staff offering to carry her walking frame up the steps for her, so this problem was quickly solved by the attentive staff.

All in all, it was a showstopping performance with not one single person on the stage letting down this production . At the end of the show, many in the audience gave a standing ovation which was well deserved.

I would like to applaud the society for such a ‘come back’ to live stage with this superb show, after the gap of the pandemic. I have included a video sample of a clip from the show below, part of “ Flash,bang wallop , what a picture!” I would highly recommend booking to see it this week!

Link to tickets

Reported by Claire Kelly of Friends of Southport