Julian Fellowes defends all-white cast in West End musical: ‘It’s 1900 in a seaside town’
DOWNTON ABBEY mastermind Julian Fellowes has insisted that diversity in theatre is immensely important - but explained why the cast of his West End smash Half A Sixpence is all white.
Julian Fellowes re-wrote the book for Half A Sixpence
The show, which first opened in London in 1963 and now boasts a new book by Fellowes for its revival, is based on the novel Kipps by H.G. Wells, published in 1905.
After opening at London’s Noel Coward Theatre in November 2016, the new version has received outstanding reviews and sold incredibly well, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed that everybody on-stage is of the same ethnicity.
“You can’t make something untruthful,” Fellowes told The Stage. “My feeling is about contemporary drama and there is absolutely no reason [why there shouldn’t be diverse casting].
“But Sixpence is set in 1900 in a seaside town – you're in a different territory.”
Half A Sixpence has had rave reviews
Julian Fellowes is also about to open Wind In The Willows
Half A Sixpence is set in 1900 in a seaside town – you're in a different territory
He did, however, add that “you can work at it” - pointing to the black characters he introduced to Downton Abbey.
He had earlier said in the same interview: “I feel quite strongly that ethnic minorities don't get a sufficient look-in.
“The way to get a better balance in our artistic community is in casting. We need much more adventurous casting.”
The writer also said it “isn’t right any more” to have a white Othello.
Half A Sixpence is now playing
Julian Fellowes gives Downton Abbey movie update
Half A Sixpence received a five-star review from the Daily Express at the end of last year.
“The old-fashioned musical that gave Tommy Steele his big theatrical break in 1963 is now a work of vibrant beauty, with new songs and energy,” our critic said.
The show is playing at the Noel Coward Theatre now.