Young 'Uns to stage Half a Sixpence

* The full cast of Half a Sixpence line up. (Pictures by Barrie Potter).

LLANGOLLEN Operatic Society’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, are busy with final preparations for their 26th annual show, Half a Sixpence. 

This is a sparkling new version of the smash-hit musical, based on the novel by H G Wells, which toured across the UK in 2007/2008.

It has all the familiar storylines and characters of the original show and the 1967 film starring Tommy Steele but has been re-imagined for today’s audience with additional scenes, bigger roles for some of the supporting characters, more pace and more humour.

The chorus has as much if not more involvement than in the original show and there are many new minor roles which have given the Young ‘Uns chorus members an opportunity to shine.

Charlie Hackforth (pictured below left) plays the part of Kipps, the oldest draper apprentice in the business. 


Joanna Stallard (pictured above left) is Anne, his long term sweetheart despite Kipps’ short-lived engagement to Helen Walsingham, played by Amy Jones. 

Cassius Hackforth plays Chitterlow, an eccentric actor/playwright who discovers Kipps and shows him he has inherited ‘a fortune’. 

Luke Haynes plays Young Walsingham, who becomes Kipps’ financial adviser and speculates his fortune away, and Beth Evans plays Mrs Walsingham, their mother.

Audiences can expect plenty of singing and dancing from cast members ranging in age from six to 18.

Producer Pamela Williams also provides choreography, Chrissie Ashworth is the artistic director, Dee Smith is assistant producer and Julian Cattley has joined as musical director.

The show will be staged at Llangollen Town Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 5, 6 and 7, at 7.30 p.m. On the Saturday there will also be a matinee performance at 2.30pm.

* Tickets, priced at £8 for adults and £5 concessions, are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, Jades Hair and Beauty, Gwyn Davies Butcher or Stella Bond on 01978 860441.