Half a Sixpence, Andover Musical & Operatic Society, Cricklade Theatre.

ANDOVER enjoyed the humour of this musical enormously, especially the ad-libs when things did not go quite as planned. The production, from director Sue Sampson, is full of movement, colour and toe-tapping numbers.

The story is based on the HG Wells novel Kipps. Paul Marsh gives a strong leading performance as the apprentice whose inheritance puts him into a social class against which he eventually rebels.

Lorraine Hansen is outstanding as Ann, the girl Kipps leaves behind. Tim Evans is entertaining as the over-the-top theatrical Chitterlow, and Gill Starr-Keddle's scenery is cleverly versatile.

Occasionally slightly too loud for the spoken voice, the orchestra was otherwise excellent. For sheer warm-hearted entertainment, this is the play to see.