Review by Lauren Donikian
It’s the story of Henry VIII and his six wives… their version. Telling their side of the story, the Queens battle it out to be top of the pops.
In this 80-minute performance we meet the Queens and hear their story, each having their moment in the spotlight. We as the audience are lucky to watch on as they bond over shared trauma and undeniable talent. After having seen SIX in its last run it is safe to say that this time around it is sharper, bolder and sassier than ever before.
The house curtain is regal purple with gold embellishment and there is an excited buzz in the theatre. Current pop songs are playing and the mood is high. As the house curtain goes up, the smoky haze is released and the Queens strut into position. The crowd goes wild, the curtains part and we feel the heat from the lights blaring from behind the platform the band is performing on. There are nine towers with LED lighting that contain arches which hug the space, they have circular lights along the middle of the tower in pairs that light up to enhance the colour of each Queens’s costume as they perform. Whilst the towers take us back in time what is displayed on them is very current and adds to the concert feel of this show. The band or ‘Ladies In Waiting’ as they are referred, are placed in front of these towers and includes a pianist, drummer, guitarist, and bass player. Playing a mix of pop songs that range from power ballad to house.
Each Queen is different and this is reflected in their costume, the colour of it and its accessories as well as the style of song that they perform. Whilst there is a unity that proves that they are all Queens of pop there are distinct differences which allow them to stand out on their own. Catherine of Aragon, played by Kimberley Hodgson is based on Beyoncé and Shakira. Wearing her golden hued costume and tiara made of spikes her song is a Latin inspired catchy pop song that includes a high C that Hodgson hits easily. Kicking us off with power and poise is a good indication of what is to come. Anne Boleyn is up next and Deirdre Khoo plays her with the kind of sass and nonchalant ways that we have come to expect from the inspiration for her character Lily Allen and Avril Lavigne. In her green costume, with a choker and hanging B, her space buns have spikes and that is her version of the crown. Khoos’ voice is so clear and precise and her bubbly energy is infectious. Jane Seymour played by Loren Hunter is inspired by Adele and Sia. Singing the power ballad Hunter exudes a quiet confidence and poise that means you can’t take her eyes off her. In the only moment of stillness in the performance she doesn’t hold back in her black and white costume her crown is weaved into her hair. Zelia Rose Kitolo plays Anna of Cleves. In her red two piece which includes shorts and thigh high boots, her crown is reflected by spikes on the sides of her head. Inspired by Nicki Minaj and Rihanna, Kitolo is a powerhouse vocalist and a strong dancer who plays a softer version of Cleves than I have seen in other performances. A Cleves that is more aware of her worth and is happy to prove it as moves across the stage with ease. Chelsea Dawson returns to play Katherine Howard. Inspired by Britney Spears and Arianna Grande, her high pony is pinker than before and is held up by her hair tie of studs. With a choker to rival Anne Boleyn’s, hers with a K. Dawson’s voice is stronger than ever and she is such a delight to watch as she is always present while performing. Finally we get to Catherine Parr, who in her blue toned costume is played by Giorgia Kennedy. With the inspiration being Alicia Keys and Emeli Sande it is no surprise that Kennedy’s vocals are as smooth as butter, worth the wait to hear her perform. Her crown may be on one side but there is nothing uneven about her performance.
I love SIX the musical, and the casting in this run is incredible. Each performer is a triple threat and you can see the bond that they have created. Ultimately, this is a musical unlike any other. It’s like a concert with all of your favourite pop girlies where you walk away feeling empowered and a part of something that can’t be replaced. From the lighting to the costumes everything works together to embolden these characters, their stockings are studded with diamantes for goodness sakes – they sparkle and shine in the bright lights and the choreography this time around is sharper. Even if you have seen it twice before (like me) you will not want to miss this extraordinary show!
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