SIX Teen Edition

Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre wowed the audience with their latest production: ‘SIX’ Teen Edition. This is a new musical, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, and first performed in 2017. It is easy to see why this is such a popular show, as from Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives of Henry VIII remix five hundred years of historical heartache into a celebration of their lives and the ultimate effects they had on British history.

This was a high energy production in the form of a modern-day pop concert. The six Queens, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr are in direct competition as they try to prove that they had the worst experience, the winner becomes the leader of their ‘pop group.’  Through songs the Queens unravel events leading up to, during and after their marriages to Henry.

Director/Choreographer, Dan Mason, created a full-on girl power extravaganza, with a meticulously rehearsed, fierce cast. The ‘Six’ burst onto the stage to raucous applause, full of attitude and sass, they were after all, literal Queens. Choreography was fresh and full of energy, using all available space, including the stairs leading up from the auditorium. I particularly liked the routine for ‘Haus of Holbein,’ the Queens were synchronised and dynamic. They tirelessly moved around whilst delivering a very humorous message within the song lyrics. Well done all.

The vocals in this production were strong. Musical Director, Lisa Manley created fantastic harmonies as the Queens sang in unison. I did like the band on the stage, the Queens acknowledged them more than once, introducing them to the audience, giving them the recognition they deserved. Music was lively and entertaining, with many variations of style from rock and pop to hip hop and a ballad to name a few. I did like the introduction music, a rock version of ‘Greensleeves,’ a musical composition originating from Tudor England, introducing the Queens as they made their way on to the stage. Lisa also played the saxophone at one point, highlighting her talents as a musician as well as a Musical Director. Sound, provided by Alice Birt, was clear with no dropouts or feedback from the microphones. I particularly liked the choice of music playing as the audience took their seats, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana, medieval style made me giggle.

The set and staging were simple but effective. Set Co-Ordinator, Paul Thompson created an open stage with a small rise and a huge pre-lit SIX that greeted the audience upon arrival. The rise, to the rear of the stage, housed the band to the left and right of the signage. Lighting, by Adam Horsfield, was spectacular. An array of jewel like colours shone across the audience at intervals. Lights spun and changed colour constantly during songs, stilling to tight spotlights only during Jane Seymour’s song.

The differences in character for each Queen was clear, not only with their various singing styles and the stories they told, but also by their wardrobe. Costumes made by Carol Cook looked fabulous, they were bright, beautifully coloured, befitting the Queen they adorned. Created with a nod to Tudor fashion: ruffled sleeves, velvet fabrics and opulence, juxtaposed with the modern corsets, shorts or skirts, each Queen looked spectacular.

Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry, divorced after not providing a son. Known for her fierce determination and strength, as well as her unwavering Catholic beliefs, Catherine resolutely refused to step aside. Isla Rigby was great as the first Queen, her song: ‘No Way’ was powerful, her vocals range impressive. Isla set the bar for the other Queens to follow.

Anne Boleyn, wife number two, was infamously beheaded. After not giving Henry the son she promised, spurious rumours about her infidelity and incest arose. Giving Henry the perfect excuse to get rid of her: treason. The punishment for her ‘crimes’ resulted in her beheading, an unjust punishment that she constantly reminded the other Queens about. Amelia Turner-Smith was sassy and witty as Boleyn. Her song ‘Don’t Lose Ur Head,’ was fun and energetic, her vocals strong.

Jane Seymour, Henry’s third wife, was kind and demure. Unfortunately, she died after giving birth to the son Henry so desperately wanted. Often referred to as the love of Henry’s life, Seymour, played by Heidi Grimshaw was beautifully portrayed. Her song, ‘Heart of Stone’ was simply beautiful. I am not ashamed to say, I had tears in my eyes at the raw emotion Heidi gave to her performance. Fabulous.

Anne of Cleves, wife number four, had a short-lived marriage to Henry. Divorced on the pretext of her distasteful appearance, Cleves in fact, fared better than the other wives. Living in her own castle with her own money, her song ‘Get Down’ was an ode to her independence. First time performer Hollie Morgan, wowed the audience with her confidence and enthusiasm. Her vocals were great, Hollie certainly made her mark as the savvy, bold Cleves.

Katherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, also beheaded for infidelity, was played by Phoebe Whittaker. Phoebe has a strong stage presence, flipping her hair and confidently strutting around as Howard. Her song, ‘All You Wanna Do,’ was excellent. Her vocals outstanding. Howard was a young naïve girl who courted love, only to find, unwanted attentions and a tragic ending. Phoebe remained constant throughout the production, her energy and passion for the stage obvious from the outset.

Catherine Parr, wife number six, outlived Henry and went on to live her own life. Forced into a loveless marriage, when Henry was no longer the young handsome King he once was, Parr was re known for her intelligence and influence. Eleanor Crickmore expertly played the final Queen. Her song ‘I Don’t Need Your Love,’ was fabulous, her notes clear and pitch perfect.

All Six girls performed to the highest standard; it would be unfair to pick out any one performance above the other. It was obvious that they were all having fun with their individual portrayals. The energy on stage was amazing, I enjoyed every moment, and the audience ovation was proof of an exceptional production. The glitter canons at the very end of the show were a nice touch, surprising and entertaining the audience to the very end.

I would like to thank Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre for inviting me to review this fabulous show. A special ‘Thank You’ goes out to Julie Scott for looking after me and my plus one all evening. I look forward to many more shows from PHYT in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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