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HALF A SIXPENCE
Swanage Choral and Operatic Society
Mowlem Theatre
Swanage
June 2003

EVEN if there was nothing else to marvel at in this production – but believe me there is – I would still give full marks to the company for a set that appears to be simply several moveable tall bookcases. With the addition of some marvellous props it becomes Mr Shalford’s Emporium, a basement kitchen, a rented house and a bookshop. It’s an ingenious idea and it works like a dream, as do the wonderful costumes, almost all company made and fitting the late Victorian period to perfection.
The show mainly revolves round one character, Arthur Kipps, so its success depends almost entirely on the actor playing him. How SCOS will miss Danny Seldon when he leaves for drama school in the autumn. He plays the young, suddenly rich shop-worker as if he has studied the role all his life, and his portrayal is nothing short of brilliant.
Among the strong supporting cast Katherine Bailey and Gaynor Wells are just right as his girlfriends Ann and Helen, and Mike Hill creates a glorious character as actor/playwright Harry Chitterlow.
Top marks too to the fine orchestra and to the chorus for appearing to enjoy every moment they are on stage. Their smiles were a joy to see.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
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