SIX (teen edition)

A somewhat different venture by Crash Bang Wallop to showcase the talent of six performers rather than the full society prior to their mammoth venture into Les Misérables early next year. But what a success the venture was – a NODA North Premiere of the cult musical SIX (in this case the ‘teen’ edition).

It was a new production for me, but I certainly hope I get to see it again in the future as it has all the elements to be a firm favourite for me (and I suspect many more judging by the enthusiasm of the filled Forum Theatre auditorium populated from teenagers to ‘not so teenagers’).

Telling the story of the six wives of Henry VIII it started off as a ‘competition’ to ascertain which of the ex-wives had the hardest life but ended on them retelling history from their own perspective. A very brief summation of a simply superb musical and fantastic spectacle by the six girls ranging from 15 to 18.

The six Queens of Catherine of Aragon (Holly Hilton), Anne Boleyn (Georgie Rose), Jane Seymour (Roisin Dunkley), Anna of Cleves (Chloe Richardson), Katherine Howard (Grace Crawford) and Catherine Parr (Lucy Strong) all gave very strong performances vocally and in their choreography. With songs of ‘No Way’; ‘Don’t Lose your Head’; ‘Heart of Stone’; ‘Haus of Holbein’ (with choreography from Chloe Richardson herself); ‘All You Wanna Do’; and “I Don’t Need your Love’ respectively they excelled.

Finally, having been convinced by Catherine Parr that they are collectively seen as Henry’s wives rather than the individuality they each possess, we finished with the titular musical number ‘Six’ where the Queens retell history giving each of them a happy conclusion.

Each Queen wore their own respective costumes based on what the Queens would be wearing to 21st century parties and were simply ‘Wow’ – Sound was clear and crisp and lighting outstanding with a colour palette that was exactly in keeping with the bright and moving performance. Choreography in the hands of Emma Greenhalgh was … (well I’ve run out of superlatives to describe it…) Whilst the choreography was brilliant, it took six supremely talented young ladies to bring it to life.

Naturally this production deserved a standing ovation and got one.

Congratulations to all involved to fetch this to the Forum stage (with a special mention to ‘Lauren’ – the 7th Queen on standby in case of disaster – she wasn’t required as thankfully no-one lost their heads).
This was a special performance – well done CBW – can’t wait for Les Misérables next year.

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