So before we jump into the show itself, I have a few confessions to make. I only heard about the show when the performance video of "ex-wives" was posted onto Youtube and after watching the video I decided that I wasn't overly keen on seeing the show because it really didn't look like my kind of thing. Strange, I know considering "Hamilton" but each to their own.
For a long time, I avoided it like the plague but there comes a time in every actor/actress's life (This time being from September to November last year, when I was still acting) when they have to work with people who are obsessed with that 1 musical. The result of this being that I heard so, so, so many reasons why it was worth seeing that I finally caved and decided to put it as number 6 on my list of shows to see in 2020. I was gifted a ticket for Christmas, which I was grateful for because I realised that I could finally determine whether my theatrical instincts were right. Oh they were so very wrong.
*Side note: It was one of the only times I first listened to the soundtrack the night before. I wasn't impressed, more about that later...
Let's discuss the show itself, however before we begin, SPOILER ALERT! BAD LANGUAGE ALERT! SEX REFERENCES ALERT!
The program, who the fuck charges £8 for a program?! Luckily it was actually decent, those of you who have seen "Hamilton" will know that they have a cheap program but you have to pay extra for a book of photos from the show, show photos and some lyrics, as well as fan art, was included in this program so its a really nice keepsake. It also included a history section written by Lucy Worsley, if you study history, you will know that she is a very marmite historian. I am still forming an opinion about her because I love her book "Eliza Rose" but I think her documentary's are overrated.
In case you were wondering, I do study History as well as English.
The staging wasn't that impressive. They literally had access to a hexagon of space and they didn't use all of it, acting 101: fill the space! Before you say "Oi, that's the pop concert aspect!" they are performing in theatres not arenas, they should take full advantage of that space. That being said, the simplicity of the set (they used coloured lights) in contrast to the detail of the costumes really works.
They made up for the lack of stage usage by their impeccable use of audience interaction. I felt like I was actually at a concert, which is what they were going for so well done.
The story-line of the show really worked but didn't at the same time, allow me to explain. It's basically about the 6 wives of Henry music-battling each-other to decide which Queen is the most significant before deciding after they have all sung their songs that the entire idea is stupid, that they can re-write their endings because they have a microphone and that they should be friends instead of enemies. Fair enough, good story-line but it really goes wrong because they don't seem to be able to decide on their target audience. There are aspects of the show that could be considered to be child friendly but overall I think it should have an age restriction of at least 12 upwards simply because of the numerous references to adultery and various deaths. Put it this way, don't include a hanging reference and a threesome reference in a show meant for...who knows.
On to the music...So "Ex-wives" is my least favourite song because I am not what could be described as a pop music girl. Sure, I like some pop songs but it isn't really my main genre. In fact, I don't think I have a music genre, I listen to a bit of everything. Sidetracked, back to the point, it feels a bit un-necessary if we are saying that the audience is 12 up, to state the fact that 5 of them are ex-wives. We already know this. In fact, the fact that all 6 of the Queens sing this song annoys me because Catherine Parr wasn't an ex-wife.
"No way" is an absolute killer song! Catherine of Aragon is a straight-up bad-ass, I love how defiant she is with this song. You can clearly hear how annoyed and confrontational she is. This song is also insanely catchy.
Then we come to my favourite song "Heart of stone". Honestly it is so beautiful and when I saw it live I was moved to tears. Listen to it.
"Haus of Holbein" was just weird.
"Get down" is the song I recommend to every rap music fan and every "Hamilton" fan. Before you say it, I know, I have made so many references to that musical and I shouldn't be comparing them because they are in leagues of their own but I honestly can't think of anything non-lin related to compare it to.
The most uncomfortable song is by far "All you wanna do". I get that she is supposed to be sexy but still "13 going on 30" makes me gag because of how wrong it is in this context. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind listening to this song but sometimes it's a bit like OMG this is just too wrong. I'll give it credit for being historically accurate though. I also need to address the character of Howard. In the show she is an absolute bitch and I really don't like her.
A really controversial song is "I don't need your love". I feel torn listening to it because Parr is so desperately trying to confront Henry whilst also having to say goodbye to her true love. It's so sad that she couldn't be with the person who held her heart. It's even worse that she knows how trapped she is. This song just gives all of the feels.
Back to the original pop music with a bit of a remix "Six". There's not much to say about this one other than it ties up the show really well.
The actresses are phenomenal! Their voices are truly amazing! Props to them for their impeccable acting. Even more props to the fact that it is an all-female cast.
Is this show informative? Heck yes, I never learned about the wives in school so I learned a lot. Is the historically accurate? Yes, I know this because I saw it with someone who knows a fair amount about the wives. Is it worth watching? Yes, despite my many, many complaints, I actually love the show and highly recommend it.
Have you seen Six? Who was your favourite wife? What was your favourite song? What do you think about the staging? How do you feel about the new influx of historical musicals? Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
2020 book challenge: I decided not to continue with The Nerd Daily's challenge because I didn't get on well with the categories. Instead I have decided to try and reach 100 books this year. As of right now, I have read 21 books so I think I might actually reach my goal this year,
Ticket update: I have now acquired tickets to see a show called "Ask me anything"
That's all for now, thank you so much for reading, stay tuned as next week I'll be discussing that "mysterious book phase" that I mentioned numerous times in my last post (otherwise known as my longest book phase)...
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