REVIEW | Six, Vaudeville Theatre
Photo: Pamela Raith
★★★★★
Reviewer - ANNIE
I never like to go into a show with any pre-meditated views but with Six it’s hard to not be anything but excited. Although I’ve seen the show before, I am yet to be left with anything but a complete sense of awe and utter joy when I leave the Queendom.
‘Six’ caters for absolutely everyone; and the casting is everybit a reflection of this. With the latest cast making her-story (it’s too easy, sorry) with the casting of Baylie Carson in the role of Anne Boleyn, the show continues to break barriers and bring the West-End totally into the 21st century. What’s so beautiful to see with diverse casting such as this, and by having such a popularity with the younger generation Six is creating such normality to surround the topic of diversity in every regard. I genuinely believe ‘Six’ is creating a better future for the West End and beyond.
If you haven’t seen the show before, GO. It’s fair to say the show isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, having just announced that the tour queens are heading to China, and more cruise lines are picking up the show each year. I must admit that I am slightly envious of those who are yet to experience the show for the first time, as it is just such a strike of genius. However, this is not to discourage multiple trips as there’s always something new to see on each visit.
The Queens in this new cast are just insane, they have each embodied their character completely, and it’s such a joy to zone in on a different queen at different moments as their facial expressions and reactions bring so much energy and dynamics to the performance.
Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow are geniuses for creating this show and deserve every bit of success. Not only have they created a show that’s dynamic and full of chart-topping hits, credit must be given to the level of background research that has gone into the show to ensure the history is spotless. The show is so educational, and as highlighted in the performance, it is shining a light on women who would’ve been forgotten about in history if their husband hadn’t been a linking factor.
As we are all aware of in the 21st century, female rights and empowerment are as important as ever, and shows such as ‘Six’ are shifting the focus away from the patriarchal views that have been pushed through for so many years.
The staging is so clever, mixing all the best elements of a pop/rock concert with Tudor stylistic features - such as the references to the CofE’s beautiful arches and windows. Again these stylistic choices are carried through to the now iconic costuming. Each queen has her own unique costuming with such subtle details, that just polish it impeccably. What I love most about the costumes is how diverse they are and how they celebrate and empower bodies of all shapes and sizes.
Although very little has changed in terms of costumes and staging, the show feels far from a repetition of previous casts. Like most, I certainly have my favourite queen, but it has to be said this new cast had me changing my mind after each song. They are all incredible and not one voice outshone the last. I don’t think I've seen a set of queens that strong across the board ever before.
Each made their songs their own version, and it was such a breath of fresh air to hear the talent of the cast and not just repeats of the well-loved hits.
Although all queens were insane, and I really didn’t want to single anyone out, a special mention has to be made for Dionne Ward-Anderson as Anne of Cleaves. HOLY MOLY (for lack of words that aren’t inappropriate) that was the best version of Get Down I have both heard and seen. Her take on the song elevated it to an entirely new level, bringing so much sass and comedy to the role, which was just pure genius.
Six truly is the show of the century in my opinion. It’s fierce, feminine, bold and empowering in absolutely every way.
Six is currently booking performances until 29 October 2023. Tickets start from £19.50, with some discounts available on TodayTix.*Disclaimer: AD | Gifted Tickets
