SIX TEEN EDITION

Farnworth Performing Arts Company this year concentrate on the youth with a cast and band all under 17 with the youngest being 13.

SIX - the popular show that took Edinburgh by storm in 2017, when two university friends Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss had the idea during their studies. The story of girl power and history together is a powerful combination. SIX has won numerous theatre awards and is known worldwide. With history, story telling and a few pop princesses thrown in for inspiration this show just goes on giving.

As you walk into the studio we are met with a black set and large totem pole lights and various areas for the band. Hanging from the ceiling are multi-coloured crowns to match each queen. Set Design and Construction Catherine Bland.

Lighting and Sound all added to the effect of the show and lighting up each crown as that particular queen performed her piece really worked. Costume looked stunning and each queen had their own individuality. Sparkles, satin, vibrant colours and enormous bows looked amazing and all worn with aplomb, not forgetting their respective crowns. Wardrobe by Helen Dickinson.

Choreography was sharp and modern with a nod to the various pop princesses they were emulating. Each queen had a different feel to their choreography and it was fun and fresh. Choreographer was Nathaniel Elechi. Steve Sandiford was the Musical Director and must have had a blast with this score. The music did not over power and the harmonies were good especially in Heart of Stone. The talented band were Daisy Sherman on keyboards and also as Assistant Musical Director. On guitar was Elizabeth Hinze. Georgeanna Walker was on bass guitar and Wilbur Lomax was on drums. Great work.

The Director was Catherine Bland, who had to direct two teams of six girls. They were named the Empire cast and the Dynasty cast. Catherine had a strong vision on this - it was clear working with Nathaniel to create a fun evening with audience interaction. I was sat at the back and when anything happened on the floor, I did miss what was happening for a few seconds but that said diction was clear, so I could always hear the “HERSTORY” thrown in.

The Dynasty cast was Catherine of Aragon played by Olive Withington. Anne Boleyn was played by Isabelle Barnes. Jane Seymour was played by Grace Bradshaw. Anne of Cleves played by Ash Smith. Katherine Howard was played by Eden Brennan and Catherine Parr was played by Viviene Hall.

On the night I went I saw the Empire cast.

The girls came strutting into the studio looking amazing, making good eye contact with the audience and having a great connection with each other.

The Queen first up was Catherine of Aragon played by Shaz Ighodaro dressed in gold and giving us Beyonce to the hilt with a touch of “Lemonade” - Shaz took control of the stage and strutted her stuff. Married the longest to Henry and barren through years of literally fighting his battles for him, Henry did fight the battle of the churches to enable their divorce.

Anne Boleyn was played by Emiliana Brindle dressed in green. Lots of comedy and lots of attitude, underscored by the ‘losing her head’ theme - you get why she rose from lady in waiting to being a queen.  Lots of energy delivered but she still lost her head.

Jane Seymour dressed in white was played by Ruby Bell-Watkinson. Ruby had a lovely delicateness about her that was fitting for Jane, who is thought to have been quieter by comparison to the other queens. Heart of Stone has a different feel to the other songs but still fits right in there and good connection to the words. Poor gentle Jane is the only one to expire naturally through child-birth.

Anna of Cleves played by Daisy Allen. Wow she goes for it and is absolutely hilarious. Dressed in red she is not a shrinking violet and The Haus of Holbein is fun and full of energy. She does her own thing divorced, living in her palace in Richmond. Loved it. Get Down!

Katherine Howard played by Evie Quin in pink with a shining pink ponytail too. Being a very young wife and loving to flirt which got her into trouble and also being fair game. Evie looked stunning and played the part well. However, her beauty got in the way and she lost her head too.

The sixth queen is Catherine Parr played by Emi Parkinson dresses in blue and black. She is more than just a queen and was a published author. Independent as she sings I Don’t Need Your Love is a love story to the boy she loves who she has to give up. Lovely connection to the words Emi. A survivor.

Farnworth Performing Arts Company must be delighted with this sassy production of SIX.  Well done The Mega Six. Thank you so much for the invite from my guest Angela and I.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep

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