***** 5 Stars
“Rule breaking, pop odyssey that continues to defy time! “
When two unknown writers, who had never written anything musical in their lives put pen to paper and delivered “Six” to the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe could they have foreseen just how epic their creation would become? Well Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss history brought to life story backed by an epic pop score has just refreshed it’s cast and continues to prove that it’s a pure theatrical treat.
The production has finally found its forever west end home at the intimate Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand following its debut at the Arts Theatre in 2017 before transferring post covid to the Lyric Theatre. Now as the show prepares to mark its decade on the west end the 2026 company has been unveiled at a Gala performance.
Six is a pop concert revue show that takes us inside the lives of the six wives of King Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon (Adrianne Langley), Anne Boleyn (Marisha Morgan), Jane Seymour (Jessica Aubrey), Anne of Cleves (Freya Karlettis), Katherine Howard (Leesa Tullet) and Catherine Parr (Nia Stephen).
The joy of this show is that its nothing to do with Henry VIII but the woman who shaped his life, its ultimately a tale of empowerment, one of which that’s more potent given that even in today’s modern world, there simply isn’t enough strong females roles available. Six more than makes up for it with its stellar cast. These are performances that transcend the art form and the cast are universally excellent. That said Adrianne Langley performs “No Way” with such passion and style it literally burns its way into your memory and proves what a west end leading lady she is.
Production wise, Six Nails it with fast flowing direction from Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, Sharp and concise Choreography from Carrie-Anne Ingrouille that makes the most of Emma Baileys set design which makes the most of the Vaudeville intimate spaces which is boosted by Tim Deiling’s epic stadiumesk lighting design. Credit also to Paul Gatehouse sound design that brings the concert feel very much to life.
Creatively Gabriella Slade remarkable and award worthy costume design is the element that blends ancient historical characters into a modern world, think 16th century meeting little mix it a true joy to behold.
Six continues to pack them at the Vaudeville and is currently extremely limited for its upcoming Scottish venue dates with people literally losing their heads trying to beg, borrow or steal a ticket. What truly sets Six apart, is that it remains so fresh and inventive and for once it truly puts female empowerment at its very heart. Even the band lead by the incredible MD Beth Jerem proves no man can do what this collection of ladies can.
Six is a rule breaking, pop odyssey that continues to defy time for a generation of theatre goers that continues to speak across the generations, its legacy is already in the writing and this is one joyous 80 minutes of theatre you will want to see again and again, sadly for Scotland tickets are flying out the door but might you just be able to snag a gold dust ticket!
SIX, The Vaudeville Theatre, London, Production is currently booking until January 2027 for more information and tickets go to: London | Six The Musical | Official Site
SIX UK Tour production will visit Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre Tuesday 15th to Saturday 26th September for more information go to: SIX the Musical – Capital Theatres
The production will then transfer to Glasgow’s Theatre Royal from Tuesday 29th September to Saturday 3rd October for more information go to: Six Tickets | Theatre Royal Glasgow in Glasgow | ATG Tickets
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