(AD – PRESS NIGHT) SIX THE MUSICAL UK TOUR REVIEW
HULL NEW THEATRE
TUESDAY 5TH APRIL @ 8PM
***** 5/5
This review is coming to you a few days late because last week, I was taken down by the flu/a cold. If you follow me on social media, you’ll know it’s my favourite modern musical. This is the first time I’ve seen it on tour because this will be the third time lucky for Hull. The first one was cancelled in May 2020 (the pandemic) and then last July due to cast Covid cases. Finally, I get to complete my Six the Musical UK tour review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
As I said above, I’m obsessed with this show. I know every lyric and most of the dance moves too. I’ve seen the show twice in London, once at the Arts Theatre and then when they moved to the Vaudeville theatre. I’ll be seeing it later this month again hopefully with an entirely new cast too!
This is the second cast on this tour so whilst I’m sad I didn’t get to see the first crop, I’m always looking forward to seeing new Queens. This show always has the most incredible swings and alternates so I’d never be disappointed looking at a cast list.
Six has a reputation for ‘super swings’ where some cast members have performed as all six queens at some point. Surely learning one queen is difficult but having the knowledge to cover all six is just phenomenal! Shout out to all the alternates and swings, they’re the superheroes of the theatre!
THE CAST
The heart of this show is how the producers always seem to cast the most perfect casts every single time. from the six leading ladies to alternates and super swings, each woman kills it in whichever role in every performance. With this new tour cast, it definitely felt like a newer, younger energy has been added to the show.
It always feels like a piece where I don’t like to pick out specific cast members because each of them is a triple, or even quadruple threat, because not only can they sing, dance and act, but they’re also hilarious! The harmonies are insane between the six queens as well as the chemistry.
Tonight’s cast included Chloe Hart (Aragon), Jennifer Caldwell (Boleyn), Casey Al-Shaqsy (Seymour), Grace Melville (Cleves alternate), Jaina Brock-Patel (Howard) and Natalie Pilkington (Parr alternate). It’s one show that you should never be disappointed if you see a swing or alternate on the line-up because they smash it every time!
For me, this show is all about female empowerment and the cast always reflects this. It’s become even more diverse through the years with more black, Asian and plus-size women being included in these roles across the world. Representation in musical theatre is a work in progress but it’s moving in the right direction!
THE MUSIC
The best part of Six is the music! Each queen has their own distinctive sound in their solo number before blending together for Ex-Wives, Six and the MegaSix. If you’ve not listened to the soundtrack, get on Spotify right now. I stream it once a week minimum! With every listen, you’ll get a new favourite song too!
The music in the show is brought to life by the on-stage band aka the ladies in waiting. The four ladies (Joan, Maggie, Bessie and Marie) provide the entire soundtrack for the night and by giving them a character/name, they don’t feel just like the band.
Even better, you get to film the end of the show, the MegaSix. I’ve filmed on every visit so I know it like the back of my hand now so can follow them.
THE PRODUCTION
My favourite parts are always the intricate formations in the choreography, which I know lots of. When you’ve seen the show three times and watched clips online constantly, you pick it up! It’s contemporary choreo to keep up with the modern music and the queens barely get a minute to rest!
The costuming is also pretty distinctive, so much so that there are always audience members in their own versions. Again, each queen has a different look and colour scheme but they all tie in together as a cast. There are small details, such as Boleyn and Howard sporting chokers as the beheaded wives. Not an inch of the costumes is without a sequin, stud or gemstone!
You might also learn something from the amount of ‘herstory’ on stage. Sure, it’s not 100% accurate but you do get to find out a little more about each queen. Every time I visit, I hear someone moaning about the historical inaccuracies but what do you expect with a modern take? Just let it be!
My only complaint about Six is that it’s too short! 80 minutes long just isn’t enough time and I always want the show to continue! However, it’s evenly balanced with a couple of ensemble numbers and a solo for each queen so I can’t really complain.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As you can see, I adore this show. I’m still awaiting the day when I’m sitting in the audience and they put a call-out for anyone who knows the show back to front as someone is unavailable. I believe that will be my true calling in life.
It’s a great family show, with a handful of innuendos and rude jokes, but those will go over children’s heads. If you’re looking for a night out with insane talent, Six is the show for you. Please try and catch it on the rest of its UK tour.
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