Six the Musical at Vaudeville Theatre
Whatever preconceptions one might have about a women-led show, specifically the six wives of Henry VIII, Six the Musical turns any cynicisms on their head with its dynamic and innovative retelling of one of the most infamous stories in British history. Crafted with ingenuity by Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, Six the Musical personifies the women who had previously been reduced to one word in a silly rhyme about a king and gives them space to reclaim their story.
The musical stylings of Six the Musical deserve their own accolade, as the lyrical complexities of each song leave the audience reminiscent of critically acclaimed shows such as Hamilton. The orchestration by Tom Curran is brought to life by the small but effective band of “ladies in waiting” who adorn the stage at the Vaudeville theatre. The unique rhythm and sound of each song help to bring out the personalities of each of the queens, showcasing both their talent as singers and the importance of hearing each of their stories separately. This is most evident in the masterpiece that is Get Down. The choreography, music and acting are key to what makes this an enticing watch.
Rhianne-Louise as Catherine of Aragon is all the audience needs to catch the infectious Six bug. The rhythmic styling of No Way is an audible joy, and a perfect way to reel the audience into hearing the stories of otherwise forgotten women. Claudia Kariuki shines as Jane Seymour, managing to move the audience to tears in one instance and generate raucous laughter in the next. One of the things that can be said for all the performers on stage is that the dynamic vivacity of their well-oiled machine is something to be in awe of. The only kink in said machine would perhaps be the Scrappy Doo song, which treads a fine line between jovial and annoying, performed by an overly zealous Anne Boleyn (Baylie Carson).
Six the Musical, though it has been on stage in some form since 2018, has not lost any of its vigour five years on. It presents a rare moment where a concert show works: rather than a sign of unoriginality, here it is most definitely a stroke of genius. You cannot help wanting to get up and dance with the queens. It is definitely a night of fun and a celebration of formidable women in history.
Natallia Pearmain
Images: Pamela Raith
Six the Musical is at Vaudeville Theatre until 29th October 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
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