AS I approached Horwich Leisure Centre last night I wondered where all the traffic pouring onto the car park had come from. It was only when I entered the auditorium and saw the size of the first night audience that I realised we all had the same idea. Most of us have seen the film of Half a Sixpence so are familiar with the story - a poor orphan boy comes into a fortune only to lose it later and find love and laughter on the way.

The lead role of Arthur Kipps was flawlessly played by Connor O'Bierne - he gave it everything he had got and did not put a foot wrong. It was a truly tremendous performance.

His childhood sweetheart Ann, whose heart he breaks along the way, was superbly played by Jan Ashton.

The group of apprentices (Darren Brazil, Martin Taylor, Matthew Kellie and Peter Hough) with whom Arthur worked at the 'emporium' provided brilliant support - and it would be difficult to single out any one of them.

However, it was Joe Simmons who played the Arthur's good luck charm - Chitterlow, who dominated the stage. He played his part brilliantly. Indeed his portrayal of a happy drunk brought the house down - a memorable sight.

The show's pace never eases and the two and a half hours passed quickly and the thunderous applause from the audience at the end of the show came as no surprise at all - it was well deserved. LINDA HURST

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