Six - Teen Edition

I was warmly welcomed to The Highbury Theatre to see this epic, but small cast (the clue is in the title), production.

The set was minimal – exactly as it should be for “Six” as, having seen the Professional Production, it is a modern musical written like a storytelling music gig rather than a traditional musical. I’ve been to a few quizzes since its release and its really cool how the younger generation now know the wives of Henry VIII in the same way that Americans have been made aware of their history with “Hamilton”.

Louise Holmes did a great job of Producing this production. It sounds easy to put together a show with just 6 people, but every single one of them are on stage for the whole show meaning they all must be set and in character for the duration. Karen Lyon did a great job in choreographing the girls to reflect some modern classic songs, with Ian Cheadle Musically Directing the Queens with skill befitting a Royal Declaration. Sound by Oliver Higham was clear and well mixed, with excellent lighting by the “Going Dark” team akin to the West End Production.

Now – onto the Six Ladies. Firstly, I only had the opportunity to see one set of Queens but given the excellent performances of the Friday night cast, I am certain that Jessica Lewis, Maia Johnson, Erin Freeman, Cassie Cranshaw, Niamh Scott-Walters and Maddie Howard were equally as Regally Radical (I’m running out of Royal superlatives already !!).

Hannah Jones has the difficult first Queen solo of the show as Catherine of Aragon – but this didn’t phase her, as she confidently got the show off to a great start. Ann Boleyn, played by Frankie Donohue gave an excellent performance with the popular song “Don’t lose Ur Head”, followed by a lovely, heartfelt performance beyond her years by Gracie Reynolds with “Heart of Stone”. Holly Hardcastle showed excellent character and performance skills as Anne of Cleves, followed by the standout Lexie Burton with her characterisation and vocals as Catherine Howard. Lastly, and certainly not least, Dotty Twigg played a stylish and strong survivor Queen in Catherine Parr.

Overall, I really enjoyed the production.  Having seen the Professional Production a couple of times it is apparent that these Young Ladies have an exciting Musical Theatre future, aided by a supportive structure of Production, Committee and Parent support.

Thank you for your kind invite

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