Don’t lose your head at the sensational Six – as it plays a run of sold out shows at the Grand Opera House this week.
If you’re looking for a party, this the perfect place to be. The smash-hit musical Six is taking the world by storm and is at the Grand Opera House from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 16 October.
Though with a sold-out run for the rest of the week, you’d be lucky to get your hands on tickets – and those who have feel like true royalty as they watch theatre’s best girl group take to the stage.
The show, staged similar to a pop concert, tells the dramatic stories of the six wives of Henry VIII – who you’ll be familiar with from your history books.
Accompanied by a talented band the ‘ladies in waiting’, they capture the audience’s attention the moment the lights in the auditorium dim.
The show is centred around the Queens and their competition as to who suffered the most – each with their own moment in the spotlight in which they truly shine. From dramatic ballads to sidesplitting innuendos the characters had the audience hanging on their every word.
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss are responsible for the creation of this brilliant show, and along with the talented behind-the-scenes creative and technical teams, they truly deserve the sold-out success they have received.
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Each performer merits their own honourable mention. Despite being a small cast of six and barely leaving the stage throughout the show, not once did their performances lack energy, power or passion.
Chlöe Hart makes a determined Aragon, whose vocals are astounding from the moment she starts the show. She brought sass to the character as she sang the first of six solos.
Jennifer Caldwell’s Boleyn received the most laughter with her witty remarks and cheeky attitude, she was always ready to put the other queens in their places and was perfectly fluent in sarcasm. This contrasted perfectly with Casey Al-Shaqsy – who brought us the most beautiful rendition of Heart of Stone, a true showstopper with its simplistic lighting and staging. She had her true moment in the spotlight.
Jessica Niles brought us the powerful Anna of Cleves who was ready to Get Down with the audience. It was also lovely to see some light and shade brought to this role as she interacted with the other queens. We were also very lucky to see the talented Leesa Tulley on for the role of Katherine Howard, (with Becca Wickes joining the tour, debuting in this role later this week), who took us from comedy to tragedy as she shared her emotional personal experiences with men in All You Wanna Do.
Finally, Alana M Robinson (Parr) completed the girl group perfectly with her honest portrayal of the final surviving Queen. She gave a new perspective to the Queens and their role in history, bringing the group together for a finale like no other.
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The staging was simplistic which worked perfectly for this production, and a special mention must go to the lighting designer Tim Deiling and costume designer Gabriella Slade – two stand-out elements from the show.
Each moment was reflected with the lighting, setting the mood for each Queen and their individual story to be told – and I would be lying if I didn’t say I walked away desperate to get my hands on a pair of the iconic boots the leading ladies wore!
However, it wasn’t just a big night for Six but for Grand Opera House itself as it’s officially re-launched after renovations. From their beautiful newly decorated bars to the comfortable seating, it made the experience even more luxurious.
The staff were enthusiastic as they greeted patrons old and new upon their arrival, and they looked proud to be a part of the new look and to represent a theatre at the heart of the city of York. I cannot think of a better show for their Gala night, as there really was a special buzz in the theatre with excitement felt all around.
The audience were quick to give the show and the Queens their well-deserved standing ovation and it was wonderful to look across the theatre at a joyful audience clapping and dancing along up until the very last beat.
Although you may have missed your chance to see this fantastic show this week, you can catch the Queen’s taking their crowning glory back at the Grand Opera House next year from Tuesday 27 June to Sunday 2 July 2023.
Tickets are available here – book quickly to avoid any disappointment. You don’t want to miss the Queens; divorced, beheaded, live!