What is Kipps about? My friends asked me, and I had to confess I wasn't sure, but we all knew that it had the wonderful song 'Flash Bang Wallop.' 

So, it is the rags to riches story of Arthur Kipps, wonderfully played by Harvey Causley, who takes the central role with confidence, panache and, the essential in a leading actor, masses of likeability.

Arthur himself is a Kentish draper who inherits a fortune and finds himself, despite giving “Half a Sixpence” to his first love, Ann, (enchantingly and poignantly played by the lovely Jade Farrington) falling for the do-gooding Helen Walsingham. But it is made abundantly clear that Helen is being used as bait by her upper-crust family to hook the wealthy Kipps.

Arthur is embezzled out of his money only to find (very surprisingly), that being a theatre angel leads to riches and a happy ending.

The musical is based on the book by H. G. Wells, and adapted by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, and most surprisingly here, he portrays the English upper class as brutally snobbish predators.

The polished pacy production is wonderfully directed by Melanie Draper, stepping into Dave Swaffield’s shoes, the much-missed leading light in the company, who very sadly had to step down from directing this show due to ill- health.

The stylish costumes and set greatly enhanced the production, with slick scene changes and many costumes, in wonderful tones of yellow, cream and classy blacks and whites.

Mel was ably supported by Lauren Good, the musical director and a wonderful singer herself as she reveals in her portrayal of Helen.

Lauren has enabled the cast to discover that each should, as one of the songs says, 'Believe in Yourself' and their confident singing shows they do, and their ability to remain in character and act out their individual stories even in large chorus numbers was impressive. It was wonderful to see the performance being supported by a live band of 11 members, led by Jeremy Rawlings.

Yet again the choreography is astounding. On a limited stage Rebecca Mather has based the dances on the original choreography which included many brilliant but challenging dance moves, particularly shown in 'Pick Out a Simple Tune' where the cast embrace the opportunity to really throw themselves into their hilarious dance moves.

Mention should be made of Jodie Glover, Jasmine Mather, Mo Kennedy and the rest of the company who give us a no holds barred interpretation of the choreography to marvellous comic effect. 

At last! A camera comes on stage, and we are ready for 'Flash Bang Wallop' and it is delivered! In spades! Cameron Love is the most gloriously outrageous photographer, and it was a delight to see other members of the company seizing every moment to enrich their performances.

Harry Locket made his ardent Socialist Sid Pornick a very real character and brought a touching masculine insight into the Joint Venture scene he shared with Harvey. Helen is tenderly and movingly played by Lauren Good, the upper-class daughter of Mrs Walsingham. Tracey Wakeling, a newcomer to Bridport Musical Theatre Company (BMTC) brings her wonderfully to life in her big number “We Will Build a Mansion”.

Another newcomer to BMTC is Richard Fereday who makes Mr Shalford a very believable tough Shop Manager with a sharp word for all his staff, and a sharp eye for profit. 

Actors who have played the lead in other productions bring their experience to smaller roles giving the show a professional polish, especially Ellie Taylor, and ones to look out for in future include Mathew Knight and Jacob Cumpstone.   

A bike accident, bravely directed, brings Chitterlow (Ross Hughes who makes him into a very likeable eccentric) into the story and the plot unfolds as we see fortunes won and lost, hearts broken and mended and a wedding brings us to a perfect ending, with the humdinger of 'Flash Bang Wallop,' that we had all been waiting for.

Chitterlow tells us that the play Arthur invested in had been greeted with Rapturous Applause and this production was equally hailed, the audience giving a well-deserved standing ovation to the whole company.