Half a Sixpence: Original Demo Recordings
Studio 1962 Cast

Beschreibung: 'Half A Sixpence' is considered one of the most iconic and enduring British musicals of the 20th Century. The musical adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel 'Kipps' featured music and lyrics by David Heneker and book by Beverley Cross and opened at London's Cambridge Theatre in March 1963 starring Tommy Steele as Arthur Kipps. On March 21st 1962 (exactly one year before the show opened in the West End) the studio demo recordings for 'Kipps' (the then working title for the show) were recorded at London's Olympic Studios. Featuring on the demo recordings were Tommy Steele, Rita Williams, Roy Sone, Joanna Rigby and writers David Heneker and Beverley Cross. Backed by the Kenny Powell Trio, the studio demos effectively capture the magic of David Heneker's classic score and feature many of the stand out numbers from the musical including 'If The Rain's Got To Fall', 'Money To Burn' and 'Half A Sixpence'. The recordings also highlight several songs which would later be cut from the show and provide a fascinating insight into the development of the musical. The album release of the 'Half A Sixpence' Demo Recordings has been conceived by Stewart Nicholls, Theatre Director and Archivist for the David Heneker Estate. Commenting on the project, Nicholls said: 'These rare demonstration recordings for 'Half A Sixpence' were discovered in perfect condition in the garage of Composer David Heneker's family house in deepest Wales - and hadn't been played for 55 years! They were recorded in March 1962 (exactly a year to the date prior to the show opening in the West-End) and unveil the delicious charm of the original Heneker score as well as displaying an unusual insight into the development of a 1960s British Musical. Hearing the writers and the original star, Tommy Steele, work through the score at such an early - yet polished - stage is as enlightening as it is charming'.