Writers: Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss
Directors: Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage
Hear ye! Hear ye! The Queens have arrived in Liverpool! The buzz of the Playhouse Theatre was electric with anticipation of seeing the Six infamous monarchs live in concert. With die-hard fans and first-time audience members, this is the most excited Liverpool has been for royalty in well…ever!
The Tony Award-winning musical is touring the country to spread the Her-story of the six wives of Henry the Eighth. Presented in a girl group fashion, Six took the stage by storm with flawless original songs, impeccable costumes, and personality in the bucket loads. You will leave the theatre contemplating which one of the queens is your favourite and what that says about you.
The show’s narrative is a “satire on how the nuances of (their stories) have changed over the centuries, depending on who is telling it”. The blatant themes of misrepresentation and misunderstanding run through the narratives of each queen. Point two in Marlow and Moss’s “Six Point Plan” perfectly describes the show that “even 500 years later, there are still parallels to be found in the female experience”. With many modern and Tudor-Esque themes that are deemed mature, there are experiences presented that every woman can relate to within the narratives and songs of the show.
The Queens and Ladies in Waiting (the stunning all-female band) were a force to be reckoned with. At times, it is indiscernible as to whether the cast you are watching is a West-end Musical or a pop group you have loved since you were twelve. All of the Queens presented immeasurable singing talents and stage presence, each having recognizable and lovable personalities and quirks.
Staging and lighting bring the audience to various places and compliments the Queens’ and their songs perfectly. From Catherine of Aragon’s Catholic Spain to Anna of Cleves’ neon rave Germany, it is a royal feast for the eyes and ears.
Overall, the overt campiness of Six is a delectable production that you will “lose your head” over. Although Six is the feminist-pop girl group every girl (and woman) needs, it may be best to leave the kids at home until they are of GCSE age. Be ready for the right royal knees-up you do not want to miss.
Runs until 8 January 2023
Royaly Remarkable
The Reviews Hub Score
