SIX sizzles and girl power rules. It is a high-octane musical in every sense of those words. I speak of talent, production values, choreography, sound and lighting – the complete package. The concept is pitting the wives of King Henry VIII against each other in a show of strength about who was the most hard done by. That includes the pair that was beheaded and the duo that divorced.
The story unfolds through song and what bangers they are, with stirring and defiant lyrics and attitude to boot, interspersed with a couple of more soulful numbers. Each of the sextet metaphorically sings her lungs out and, accordingly, has her time to shine. Truth be told, they don’t just shine. They dazzle and delight, individually and collectively.
They have excellent stage craft – deft dance moves and a mean set of pipes. They harmonise magnificently and boy, can they diss … and how. The audience laps up every delicious morsel of their tales of woe and neglect. The enthusiastic sextet is supported by a power packed all-girl band. Musical director Claire Healy is on keys, Kathryn Stammers on drums, Danielle Colligan guitar and Ann Metry bass.
The choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille is intoxicating, as the show comes together seamlessly. I am in awe of the integrated set, lighting and sound design (by Emma Bailey, Tim Deiling and Paul Gatehouse respectively). What a spectacle! The piece de resistance is the vibrant superhero costuming by Gabriella Slade.
The subject may be heavy, but its treatment is not. It is built around great music, irreverence, laughs and sass. Each “wife” is attributed musical icons as “Queenspiration”. Married to Henry for 24 years, Catherine of Aragon (Kimberley Hodgson) pays a nod to Beyonce and Shakira. Fluent in French, Anne Boleyn (Deidre Khoo) channels Lily Allen and Avril Lavigne.
Jane Seymour (Loren Hunter), who claims she was the only wife Henry really loved, gives Adele and Sia a run for their money. German-born Anna of Cleves (Zelia Rose Kitoko) doffs her cap to Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. It’s Ariane Grande and Britney Spears for Katherine Howard (Chelsea Dawson), who lost her head for her promiscuity. Catherine Parr (Giorgia Kennedy) was the only “survivor”. She draws inspiration from Alicia Keys and Emeli Sande.
With book, lyrics and music by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX began as a student production in a 100-seat venue in 2017. Little did they know at the time that it was bound for glory. It has gone on to claim 23 gongs, including the 2022 Tony Awards for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and Best Costume Design. SIX sparks and sparkles. It is great musical entertainment, a showcase of power and punch.
Eighty minutes without interval, it is playing at the Comedy Theatre until 2nd October, 2024.
