Review: Six, Lyric Theatre

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

Divorced. Beheaded. Live at the Lyric.

Theatrical phenomenon Six has transferred to London’s Lyric Theatre from the Arts Theatre in order to put on socially distanced performances in the current climate. 

It felt so very good to be back inside a theatre. Firstly, let me start off by saying that Nimax Theatres have worked incredibly hard to make the theatre safe and Covid-secure. Temperatures are taken and masks are worn with spacing between seats to ensure adequate social distancing. The actors also have a Covid test every 48 hours to ensure they can perform on stage together safely. 

As the lights went down and the first beats of music were played, the buzz was electric and this was sustained for the next 75 minutes. The show has a very upbeat and party atmosphere, which is just what is needed right now. 

Six celebrates six extraordinary women in their own rights, all bound together by one of Britain’s most famous King’s, Henry VIII. It gives you an insight into sides of the Queens that perhaps we didn’t know and parts of their lives that history doesn’t tell. 

In turn, each Queen takes her turn to explain why she had to deal with the most baggage from Henry and who was treated better. There are some very entertaining squabbles between the girls: “Oh, I can’t think of anything more painful than dying of natural causes. Oh wait, being beheaded!!” 

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss have written a witty and original musical that brings history into the 21st century; Anne of Cleves selected via Tinder and Anne Boleyn texting the King. Everything fit so well together, it was exceptional. 

All of the Queens have incredible voices and the songs are funny, upbeat and in some places, poignant. A particular personal highlight is Katherine Howard’s song “All You Wanna Do”. Whilst this isn’t my favourite track on the recording, Sophie Isaacs is incredible as Howard and how it is acted, gives depth and added character to the role of the “forgotten wife”. It also gives a subliminal message about how women were treated at the time and what happened if you spoke up. 

At the time of writing this, it has been announced that London will be heading into Tier 3 and this amazing show will have to close its doors for an unknown period of time once again. When the show reopens, make sure you book your tickets to be part of the Queendom because you do not want to miss out on this! 

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Emma Littler