Half A Sixpence

Half a Sixpence is a musical comedy, written as a vehicle for British pop star Tommy Steele.

Related Topics:
Musical comedy - British - Tommy Steele

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It was based on H.G. Wells' novel . Steele played Arthur Kipps, an orphan who climbs the social ladder before losing everything and realizing that you just can't buy happiness.

Related Topics:
H.G. Wells - Novel

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David Heneker (who had also worked on Irma La Douce and Charlie Girl) wrote both music and lyrics. Steele's importance to the show was made evident by his appearance in twelve of the musical's fifteen-song score.

Related Topics:
David Heneker - Irma La Douce - Charlie Girl - Music - Lyrics

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Half a Sixpence later transferred to Broadway in 1965, playing at the Broadhurst Theatre for 511 performances. This production also starred Steele. It was the last West End show to transfer successfully to New York before the late 1970s and early 1980s musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Related Topics:
Broadway - 1965 - Broadhurst Theatre - West End - New York - 1970s - 1980s - Andrew Lloyd Webber

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A film version, also starring Steele, followed in 1967.

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