Six The Musical, Teen Edition

The lights shone bright, and we were immediately thrust into the electrifying world of Six: The Musical Teen Edition, a vibrant retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives through the lens of pop concert spectacle. This production, performed by a talented group of young performers, brings historical drama to life with sass, sparkle, and a whole lot of heart.

From the outset, the stage is dominated by the Six Queens, each stood regally and radiating distinct personality. Accompanying them is a dynamic ensemble whose presence adds vocal depth and visual flair to the performance. Their choreography, particularly during solo numbers, was well-executed and served to elevate the storytelling. These ensemble members weren’t just background; they were active contributors to the energy and rhythm of the show.

The costuming deserves special mention. While the rights holders prohibit exact replication of the professional production’s wardrobe, this cast’s costumes were impressively tailored to reflect each queen’s unique identity. From Catherine of Aragon’s bold and commanding attire to Anne Boleyn’s cheeky and rebellious look, the visual choices helped the audience immediately grasp each character’s essence. The attention to detail in accessories and styling added authenticity and flair, enhancing the overall aesthetic without overshadowing the performers.

The staging was minimalist yet effective. A throne chair positioned at the rear of the stage served as a symbolic centre piece, brought forward during key moments to underscore themes of power and legacy. This simple prop became a versatile tool, anchoring scenes and providing visual continuity throughout the show. Vocally, the cast delivered a commendable performance. Most of the soloists demonstrated strong control and tone, though there were occasional moments where overextended notes disrupted the flow. These minor issues could be addressed with more focused breath control and diaphragm support, skills that will undoubtedly develop with experience.

One technical hiccup worth noting was the sound balance. At times, the backing tracks overpowered the dialogue, making it difficult to catch the witty interludes between songs. These moments are crucial for character development and audience engagement, so a slight adjustment in volume levels would greatly improve clarity.

Catherine of Aragon (Nancy Clark) opened the show with regal poise. Nancy’s portrayal was confident and grounded, capturing the queen’s unwavering strength. Her vocals were generally solid, though she struggled slightly with the higher notes. With improved breath support and vocal placement, she has the potential to truly soar in future performances. Nancy played Catherine of Aragon with a commanding presence that reflected the queen’s historical resilience and dignity. Her stagecraft was thoughtful and deliberate, using posture and gesture to convey Catherine’s pride and emotional depth.

Anne Boleyn (Caitlin Jones) brought a playful energy to the stage. Caitlin’s characterisation was effective, though at times it lacked the sharp-edged attitude that defines Anne’s cheeky defiance. Her vocals were clear and well-pitched, and with a bit more sass and physicality, she could fully embody the role’s mischievous charm, however, I must say that Caitlin Jones demonstrated some excellent confidence with her interactions with the other queens and the ability to confidently use the stage space.

Jane Seymour (Isabel Buckley) offered a touching and heartfelt performance. Isabel’s gentle presence and emotional sincerity were perfect for the role. Her vocals in “Heart of Stone” were beautifully articulated, with a well-controlled crescendo that added depth to the number. The accompanying solo dance was a great moment. The dancer’s use of levels and spatial awareness complemented the song’s emotional arc. A few more pauses in the choreography would have allowed the audience to absorb the emotional weight more fully, but overall, it was a moving and well-executed piece. What I did like about Isabel’s performance was her ability to connect deeply with the emotional core of Jane Seymour’s character. Isabel demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity to the narrative, allowing the audience to feel the quiet strength and vulnerability that define Jane.

Anna of Cleves (Ruby Cable) was a powerhouse. Ruby’s stage presence was magnetic; she commanded attention with every gesture and glance. Her confidence in engaging the audience was remarkable, and her vocals were consistently strong throughout her number. She brought a refreshing burst of energy that lifted the entire production. Ruby was also able to infuse her performance with a sense of playful defiance that perfectly captured Anna of Cleves’ unique narrative. She embraced the character’s independence and self-assuredness, delivering lines with a cheeky confidence that made her portrayal both entertaining and empowering. Ruby’s physicality on stage, her bold movements, expressive gestures, and dynamic use of space, reflected a performer who is not only vocally gifted but also deeply attuned to the theatricality of the role.

Katherine Howard (Elizabeth Wilford) delivered a performance that was both powerful and poignant. Elizabeth captured the character’s youthful exuberance and underlying vulnerability with finesse. Her vocal delivery was emotionally charged, and she navigated the complex layers of the role with maturity beyond her years. Elizabeth brought a captivating blend of charm and fragility to Katherine Howard that made her portrayal especially memorable. She embodied the character’s flirtatious energy with playful gestures and confident movement, yet allowed moments of introspection to shine through, revealing the pain beneath the surface.

Catherine Parr (Maddie Whyte) closed the show with grace and conviction. Maddie’s performance was grounded and sincere, providing a sense of resolution and unity. Her vocals were steady and expressive, and she handled the ensemble harmonies with skill. Catherine Parr’s role often serves as the emotional anchor of the show, and Maddie fulfilled that responsibility admirably. I must say that Maddie was able to bring a quiet strength and emotional intelligence to the role that truly anchored the production’s final moments. Her portrayal of Catherine Parr was thoughtful and mature, offering a sense of wisdom and reflection that contrasted beautifully with the more flamboyant energy of the earlier queens.

The ensemble’s contribution cannot be overstated. Their choreography was sharp, synchronised, and full of energy. They enhanced each solo performance with well-timed movements and spatial dynamics. Entrances and exits were smooth, and their positioning on stage was consistently clear and purposeful. The ensemble’s ability to support the leads while maintaining their own presence is a testament to their discipline and rehearsal.

Overall, Six: The Musical Teen Edition was a triumph of youthful talent and creative direction. Each performer brought boundless energy and commitment to the stage, and the production showcased not only their individual strengths but also their ability to work as a cohesive unit. The show’s themes of empowerment, identity, and reclaiming one’s narrative were delivered with passion and authenticity.

While there were minor technical and vocal areas that could be refined, these did not detract from the overall impact of the performance. The cast’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the audience was clearly engaged from start to finish.

This production proves that with the right guidance, young performers can tackle complex material and deliver a show that is both entertaining and meaningful. Well done to The Stage and Screen Academy, to the entire cast and crew for bringing history to life with such flair and heart. I look forward to seeing your next ventures.

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