Sheffield Lyceum Theatre – until Saturday 30th April 2022
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
I was fortunate to be able to review at the wonderful, ornate, and historic Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield. This is my first visit, and maybe not my last. I was there to review the most talked about show that’s out there, the global sensation that is SIX The Musical. SIX’s reputation is obviously spreading as the theatre was packed. If you haven’t heard about it, it is a thoroughly modern retelling of the lives of King Henry VIII’s six wives. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, it is a musical comedy presented as a pop concert. First presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017 it has gone on to conquer the West End and Broadway.
After an ensemble piece, “Ex Wives”, the wives of Henry VIII decide to have a competition between themselves to see who has endured more and suffered most at the hands of Henry. Each wife takes turns telling their story, through song and dance, to find out who is going to be the winner and become the group’s lead singer.
Catherine of Aragon (Chloe Hart) was loyal to Henry but couldn’t produce a male heir. After over 20 years of marriage, he wanted an annulment and to ship her off to a nunnery. Divorced! Anne Boleyn (Jennifer Caldwell) complains about Henry’s infidelity, but after trying to make him jealous, is executed for her supposed infidelity. Beheaded! Jane Seymour (Casey Al-Shaqsy) dies just after giving birth to Henry’s only legitimate male offspring. Died! Anne of Cleves (Grace Melville) is shipped over from Germany after Henry sees her portrait. When she arrived, he was not impressed, but still went through with the marriage. Very shortly afterwards it was annulled, and she had a very generous settlement. Divorced! Katherine Howard (Jaina Brock-Patel) is only very young when she catches the king’s eye. A short while after marrying she is accused of adultery. Beheaded! Catherine Parr (Alana Robinson) is the last of the wives. Survived!
This is a story that gives The Queens a voice, they certainly didn’t then. What starts out as acts of one-upmanship, soon turns into sense of cohesion, supporting each other and thinking what could have been.
All six queens were magnificent, each remarkable in their own way. Hart had a great, powerful voice, Caldwell was hilarious with her northern accent and comments about losing her head, Al-Shaqsy delivers an impassioned touching performance. Melville plays centre stage to the most bizarre and hilarious part of the show, Haus of Holbein. This was very techno, with florescent glasses and clothing, all delivered with German accents. Brock-Patel was the pop princess, full of sass and Robinson is the icing on the already perfect cake, giving us sense of female empowerment and solidarity. The Queens are joined and accompanied on stage by the amazing all-female band, Ladies in Waiting, they had the venue rocking.
The costumes and hair were just stunning. Leather, studs, and spikes were everywhere. The costumes did have a look of Tudor but with a very contemporary twist, and I loved the little slots they had for their microphones.
What a show it was, fabulous songs, set and costumes. This show is energetic, full of sass, but poignant at the same time. I think I have learnt more about Henry VIII from this than I did at school. Perhaps they should include this show as part of the curriculum? Certainly, it would be more engaging.
At only 80 minutes long, there is no interval, it is over far too quickly, but boy does it pack a punch. I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as a musical, it certainly isn’t your traditional one that is for sure, it has the feel of a concert, with fab songs and great performances, one you wouldn’t want to miss.
If this comes to a theatre near you make sure you book early. I’ve had a look at tickets for York in October, as that is closer to home, and virtually every single ticket has been sold already! One not to be missed.