Audiences were blown away last week by the incredible talent showcased in Bridport Musical Theatre Company's sell-out production of Kipps – the new Half a Sixpence musical.

Kipps, directed by Melanie Draper, could have been a risky choice for Bridport Musical Theatre; perhaps a less well-known story than some of its previous productions or considered old fashioned. But this heart-warming, fast-paced show had audiences hooked from the opening number and you could tell from the buzz during the interval that this was something special – a show to remember. 

Watching from the balcony of The Electric Palace, it was easy to forget I was still in West Dorset; there's no doubt that some of the cast wouldn't have looked out of place in London's West End, including star of the show and leading man, Harvey Causley. 

No stranger to the stage, Harvey has performed in some 10 shows with Bridport Musical Theatre Company, as well as several other local amateur dramatics groups, but this was his moment to shine. He described taking the role of Arthur Kipps as a "dream come true", one that he's been desperate play since he saw Charlie Stemp – one of his idols – lead the cast in the 2016 London revival. You certainly did it justice, Harvey. 

Based on the novel by H.G. Wells, the story followed Kipps, an orphan and over-worked draper's assistant at Shalford's Bazaar in Folkestone at the turn of the last century, who dreams of a better and more fulfilling world. But when he unexpectedly inherits a fortune that he propels him into high society, he realises it's not quite what he imagined. 

Arthur must choose between the beautiful and classy Helen Walsingham – played by the multi-talented Lauren Good, who doubled up as musical director – and his childhood sweetheart Ann Pornick, a role confidently taken on my musical theatre student Jade Farrington. He is helped along the way by friends Sid (Harry Lockett), Pierce (Jacob Cumpstone), Buggins (Matthew Knight) and Flo (Ellie Taylor), and his trusty banjo is never far from his hands – just add that to the long list of Harvey's musical talents!

The passion and enthusiasm of this largely young cast shone throughout, and the big ensemble musical numbers, accompanied by an incredible live band, had me wanting to jump out of my seat to join in the dancing. In particular, stand-out numbers included If The Rain's Got to Fall, the foot-tapping Pick Out a Simple Tune, and of course the grand finale of Flash, Bang, Wallop, which showed off the cast's excellent comedic timing as well as their musical talents.

Bridport Musical Theatre Company has built up a great reputation for its high-quality, professional productions and Kipps will no doubt add to that legacy. 

CAST

Arthur Kipps - Harvey Causley; Ann Pornick - Jade Farrington; Aunt Susan Kipps - Melanie Draper; Uncle Bert Kipps - Chris Denne; Mr Shalford - Richard Fereday; Carshot - Ross Hughes; Sid Pornick - Harry Lockett; Pierce - Jacob Cumpstone; Buggins - Matthew Knight; Flo Evans - Ellie Taylor; Hayes - Bert Jovanovic; Miss Ross - Rebecca Shepherd-Royal; Chitterlow - Ross Hughes; Foster - Richard Fereday; Lady Dache - Jodie Glover; Miss Bindo-Botting - Jasmine Mather; Helen Walsingham - Lauren Good; Mrs Walsingham - Tracey Wakeling; James Walsingham - Mike Shepherd-Royal; Lady Punnet - Mo Kennedy; Mr Maxwell - Ryan Tozer; Mary - Jasmine Mather; Photographer - Cameron Love; Ensemble - Sarah Causley and Tom Miller.

CREW

Director - Melanie Draper; Musical Director - Lauren Good; Choreographer - Rebecca Mather; Assistant Choreographer - Jasmine Mather; Band Director - Jeremy Rawlings; Producers - Melanie Draper, Brenda Swaffield, Rebecca Mather, Jasmine Mather, Tony Glover, Jodie Glover and Lauren Good; Lighting & Sound - Seventh Wave Audio; Sound Effects - Trevor Rutland; Set design - Melanie Draper, Set Construction - John Holmes and Tim Paul; Prop Manager - Tony Glover; Wardrobe - Brenda Swaffield, Melanie Draper and Rebecca Mather; Stage Manager - Lucy Hughes, Stage Crew - Ross Hughes, Josh Staple, Teresa Grinter, Alan Smart, Olivia Grinter and Stephen Smart; Fundraising - Jane Boulay and Jodie Glover; Front of House - Jane Boulay, Jordan Hayter and team; Programme/Poster - Jasmine Mather; Publicity & Social Media - Jasmine Mather, Ellie Taylor and Harry Lockett; Photography - Melissa Runcieman; Prompt - Sandra Brown; Transport Manager - Jeff Batten.

BAND

Band Director & Conductor - Jeremy Rawlings; Reed 1 - Steve Grant; Reed 2 - Chris Gradwell; Reed 3 - Shirley Screech; Trumpet 1 - Josh Westrip; Trumpet 2 - Josie Sherwood; Trombone - Charlie Fleming; Guitar - Tim Bradley; Keyboard 1 - Tina Paveley; Keyboard 2 - Joe Binmore; Percussion - Michelle Hiley; Bass - Peter Manfield.