Half a Sixpence tells the story how Arthur Kipps found his own simplicity and made it the most valuable part of his life.
The year is 1900, in Folkestone.  He play opens at Shalford’s Drapery Emporium, where Kipps – as orphan, works and lives as an apprentice draper along with three fellow apprentices – Sid, the Socialist, Buggins the Pessimist and Pearce the Dandy.  They are bullied by Mr. Shalford, whose rules are “Fishency, System and Economy”.
Ann, Sid’s sister and childhood sweetheart of Kipps, is in service, so they see very little of each other.  Kipps produces a ‘Lovers Token’ – two halves of a sixpence – to keep their romance blossoming.
Fate intervenes and changes Kipps’ life.  Chitterlow, an Actor-Playwright, calls from his bike right into the shop.  On realising Kipps’ fullname, produces a copy of the local newspaper, which carries an announcement by a company of Lawyers, seeking a Mr Arthur Kipps, and has information to his advantage.
Encouraged by Chitterlow, Kipps and his friends celebrate and is asked what he will do if he inherits a fortune.  Kipps gets drunk and as punishment Mr. Shalford sends him to an evening class.  An enlightened Miss Helen Wallsingham is the teacher and Kipps falls in love with her, but realises she’s too grand for him.
The next day Ann is annoyed with Kipps for drinking and going to evening class instead of meeting her.  She leaves him, just before Chitterlow returns to confirm Kipps inherited fortune.  Although Mr. Shalford is furious, his friends are delighted.  Now Helen’s family close in on Kipps and he is in danger of moving into Society circles – forgetting Ann for the delightful Helen.  He proposes to Helen.  At Mrs Botting’s boat party his proposal is accepted.  Unhappily, Ann discovers the engagement before Kipps has chance to explain.  Kipps then realises Ann is his real love.  He quarrels with Helen and goes to find Ann.
Ann eventually agrees to marry Kipps and confesses her love for him since they were children.  They marry – but all is not complete.  Kipps wants to buy his way into the Society, but Ann says NO.  Against her wishes Kipps plans to build a large ‘Palace’.  Then he learns his fortune has been lost, but he and Ann reconcile to the fact and find happiness in a bookshop.
By another turn of fate, Kipps is offered a second fortune from Chitterlow.  He reluctantly accepts it but comments – “What a rum go everything is.”

Overheard the other day “What is a sixpence – is it the same as 6p?  It is difficult for some of us to realise that a generation is growing up that has never heard of “half a crown”, “two bob bit”, a “tanner”, etc. etc. – memories of days when life was decidedly less hectic.  In the hurly burly and stresses of this late ‘80s world, we should be thankful for the opportunity that is provided by live theatre, both professional and amateur, for welcome periods of relaxation and enjoyment.
This show “Half A Sixpence” will do just that for you.
Thank you for your support that ensures a continuation of periods of relaxation and enjoyment.  I’m sorry the title of the show is not the cost of admission!! – however you will I know get value for money.

Bert Catlin
President

The choice of “Half A Sixpence” has proved a happy one, the company have enjoyed rehearsals and are most enthusiastic to give a performance, that we hope, you, our patrons will applaud.
For the last few years our production has been in the Autumn, but this met with certain difficulties in rehearsing during the summer, so we hope a Spring show will be to our advantage, and to you the general public.
We give a very warm welcome to our producer David Turner.  Although it is the first time he has produced for us, he is a friend of long standing to our Society as with others in the area.  We have enjoyed working with him, and his expertise has, I am sure benefitted all our members as you will notice, in what we think, is a super production of “Half A Sixpence”.
My thanks to all who have made this show possible and to you our friends for supporting us.

Chris Carter
Chairman