As a reviewer, I find it easier to write reviews of shows that do not quite hit the mark as you have something to criticise specifically, and harder to write glowing reviews without gushing too much over what you’ve just seen on a stage. This review is going to be VERY hard to write.
SIX written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss began its life at the Edinburgh Fringe back in 2017. In just 7 short years it has arguably become one of the greatest success’ of the Fringe now being performed worldwide to sell out audiences by professionals and youth groups.
I can best describe this show as the Tudor X-Factor. In a concert setting each of Henry 8th six wives compete to see who is the most popular each performing solo numbers to win over the audience’s vote.
There is nowhere to hide in this show for the six ladies who portray the queens. A weak link would stand out like a sore thumb, and trust me, there were no sore thumbs on that stage tonight.
On a bare stage on three levels with only the word SIX illuminated behind them six teenage girls had the audience eating out of the palms of their hands from the moment the lights came up to the moment they went dark.
Our queens tonight were Catherine of Aragon (Ana Tui’Halamake), Anne Boleyn (Ava Staines-Heath), Jane Seymour (Eliza Rowland), Anna of Cleves (Georgia Attwood), Katherine Howard (Franki Lidguard) and Catherine Parr (Hannah Todd-Jones).
In the professional version the all-female band are called the Ladies in Waiting, however tonight because pre-recorded music was used the Ladies in Waiting became the ensemble providing a valuable and clever addition to the show. The cast will rotate roles across the run ensuring all get a moment to shine in the spotlight.
In a show packed with memorable moments and routines it is hard not to highlight each one, however due to the restrictions of space I will mention a few of my personal highs, the first being the opening number which introduces the audience to each queen individually that at the end the audience showed their love with spontaneous applause and loud cheers which looked to take one or two on stage by surprise watching their reactions.
Don’t Lose Your Head performed by Staines-Heath was sublimely executed as was her lines throughout the show showcasing a real comedic flair. Rowland performing Heart of Stone was probably my top vocal pick of the night, a beautifully written song which pulls at your heartstrings equally beautifully delivered.
The group highlight of the evening went to the whole cast with a faultless and hilarious version of Haus of Holbein, very clever and had the audience in fits of laughter. Lidguard’s performance of All You Wanna Do was delivered with confidence and a small microphone issue did not phase her one bit.
I felt a little sorry for Todd-Jones who did not get her deserved applause after I Don’t Need Your Love. This is by no means the fault of the audience or her delivery, the book on the occasion does not allow time for it which is possibly this shows only fault.
For me reading the programme the real star of this show is Nicola Jay Crooks. She directed, produced, musically directed and was also responsible for the stage design, costumes, hair and make-up and the marketing. And what an amazing job she did. Assisted by choreographer Verity Partington Perform Studios have staged something here that will live long in the memories of not only the cast but every audience member which has the privilege to watch it.
The professional version of this show left the Lowry only last week after performing to sell-out audiences, this week in Heald Green looks to be going the same way. With only a few tickets left for the run which ends on Saturday and includes a matinee on their final day and to learn more about Perform Studios visit https://www.nicolacrooks.co.uk/home
I won’t give away who wins the popularity vote in the end, suffice to say this cast reign supreme in a stunning visual and vocal treat.
Reviewer: Paul Downham
Reviewed: 5th September 2024
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
(We can’t give 6!)