Random West End Show Review - Half a Six Pence (2016 revival)

Well this is a first for me in a long while. A west end show based on a film that I never saw as well as a revival of an old stage production which is also based on a film. Well anyway, its the first one of the year and a very musical one at that. So with not much else to say, let's get to it:

We meet a guy called Arthur Kipps (played by Charlie Stemp) who is a keen banjo player from Kent. As a draper's assistant, he doesn't earn much. But soon enough he finds out that his grandfather has left him a fortune and so he goes to enjoy the high life while being caught in a love triangle with his childhood friend Ann (played by Devon Elise-Johnson) and his woodwork teacher of which has a wealthy background Helen (played by Emma Williams).

So to sum up the show, it feels like watching your typical rags to riches scenario which while not highly original, its very rarely used and done well. Fortunately this musical does a good job of it. Its well acted, has a feel good vibe to it and the songs are great too. Only real criticism I have (and keep in mind that I haven't watched the film nor the original stage production) is that the banjo is only in it occasionally. Without giving away spoilers, when it does appear, it always takes centre stage which is great. So a pretty good show, but I'd probably enjoy it more if I saw the film and/or the old show. 8/10