Tales from a Tudor Court/ Six: Teen Edition

It was lovely to visit a new Youth society to see their production of Tales from a Tudor Court and SIX: Teen Edition, a challenge for their first ever production but it did not disappoint. It was a surprise to find out that they had also written a play to accompany the show. How exciting to have 2 shows in one: the play first half and musical the second. I received a very warm welcome from front of house, met David Williams which was lovely and it was great to see a full auditorium. What I love about youth groups is they always look like they are having fun and enjoying themselves. This shone through both performances with 2 separate casts. It was pleasing to see all the children had a role and part to play. They all worked together as a team. You would never have known some had never been on stage before.

David Williams had written the script for Tales from a Tudor Court. I liked the modern adaptation of an old historic period, using a chat show idea to talk to Henry and his wives in up to date terminology. It was very funny in places and the children had good comedy timing. The commercial break was very clever creating adverts which related to the relevant time. There were some links in the play which related to the songs from SIX.

As there was no scenery for the play, props and furniture were well presented by the cast to portray the story. Costumes were colourful and apt for the modern version.

SIX: Teen Edition 

Catherine of Aragon (Laurelle Matthews-Sole) had a strong approach to the character with Anne Boleyn (Emily Raynor) being sassy. Jane Seymour (Talea Charlton) was sweet and naïve but Anne of Cleves (Summer-Brooke Harvey) had attitude. Katherine Howard (Ebony Bailey) was sensitive while Catherine Parr (Emily Mortimer) showed the emotion. All the girls reacted to each other with style and verve creating the one upmanship admirably. Well done. The chorus girls added to the mood and plot inventively. I know the show doesn’t always have happy moments but did feel in places the choir girls just needed to smile.

The harmony singing was very well delivered and the diction clear. It is not always easy to achieve this when on the stage the entire time. Please watch when you are showing emotion in songs that shouting does not necessarily define anger. Please note the level of the music can sometimes drown out performer’s voices. The Choreography was stylish and slick and appropriately balanced in the plot. 

The costumes: each wife was given one colour only to represent their character against the togetherness of all black. Sophie Harvey handmade all the costumes, very impressive. A lot of work had gone into this. I would recommend that hair be tied back off the face. Well done to Catherine Parr for having a costume dysfunction in ‘Hous of Holbein’ and dealing with the problem, very professionally done.

When using accessories (The glasses in ‘Haus of Holbein’) I felt the issue of double glasses was a problem for some of the girls.

What a wonderful afternoon I had. Well done to all involved and Thank you. 

Sarah Meers

District 6 Representative

NODA East

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