Last week I ticked ‘Six: The Musical’ off of my musical bucket list. Due to the high demand, all of the local showings were sold out, but I managed to bag myself a ticket to ‘Winters Garden Theatre’ in Blackpool. For those of you that don’t already know, ‘SIX: The Musical’ is a full female cast and band ensemble, telling the story of Henry VIII’s 6 wives with hilarity and sass!
Being the overly organised person that I am, I arrived in Blackpool a couple of hours early so I decided I would explore the town. Firstly, I grabbed some lunch from ‘Meat ‘n’ Plaice’ chippie, because did I really go to Blackpool if I didn’t eat chips freezing my tits off by the sea front? I then ventured off to the venue, which was located right in the middle of Blackpool town centre. A beautifully lit up Blackpool Tower stood tall right beside the venue, almost as if serving as a beacon to guide me to my destination. Upon entering the venue I took a few seconds to take it all in, the old styled venue really added to the charm and the sea of 2800 red cushioned chairs were quickly being filled by excited viewers. The show was already a sellout. I was located on the balcony and I had an amazing view of the stage, where I could see the full range of musicians at the back just as clearly as the cast at the front of the stage. The stage itself was set up with a huge neon sign with the show’s title ‘SIX’ on full display.
As the show began the 6 girls came onto the stage and introduced themselves as’ Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded and Survived’ in their first song, ‘Ex wives’. Although ‘SIX’ is a musical, it was more like a gig. Instead of long scripted segments and a large cast ensemble. Instead, the characters Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr all told – or shall I say sang, their stories of being married to Henry VIII. All with a dark and comical undertone with some amazing choreography and some banterish dialogue in between.
Each song centred on a different one of Henry’s divarish wives, with the others supporting with some background vocals. The songs all varied in genres, really demonstrating the vocal range and skill of the 6 ladies. The chemistry on stage between the girls was very noticeable, it was obvious these girls have mastered their craft and I can’t wait to see more of them. The band played their parts excellently without missing a beat. The audience were up and out of their seats, singing along and crying with laughter.
The songs were very catchy, the jokes were funny and the atmosphere was electric. As a musical lover, this is up there in my favourites. From start to finish I was engaged and didn’t want to peel my eyes away even for a second. A standing ovation is given and definitely earned. Almost 3000 faces smiling ear to ear left the venue. Once more the gorgeous and charming Blackpool Tower was there to bid us all farewell.
Georgia Burrows