Review written by Tyrone Baptiste 10.1.23
The new cast of Six the Musical (Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, Baylie Carson, Claudia Kariuki, Dionne Ward-Anderson, Koko Basigara and Roxanne Couch)
Since its beginning, Six the Musical has been a hit with its audiences and the new cast change highlights that reason very clearly. Six the Musical, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, first opened at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 and since then, the show has dominated the UK theatre scene.
The show is directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage whose direction makes the show what it is today. They both have directed the new cast with style, sophistication and energy. The electrifying costumes are designed by Gabriella Slade who has captured all of the queen's unique personalities which elevates this show and the new cast further. Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's chereography is still as fresh and energetic as ever.
Before I talk about the new cast, I want to talk about the approach to casting that Pearson Casting CDG has done with the fantastic new cast. Six is the prime example of what diversity should look like in the bright lights of the West End. We have actresses of colour and non-binary people. This casting further proves why Six is so loved by millions of theatre fans around the world. As someone who is of colour, it's so refreshing to see this in a community that I love and it is something I want to see more of.
Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky
Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky IS Catherine of Aragon. She plays Catherine to be fierce and it works. She has vocals that blow the roof of the theatre and let's not forget that she can riff. She has great comedy timing and her stage presence is felt throughout.
Baylie Carson
Baylie Carson brings Australian charm to Anne Boleyn which is original and it's great to see a new take on this queen. They have fantastic comedy timing and have the audience laughing with just the flash of their facial expressions. They have strong vocals and impeccable dance moves which makes you want to join them on stage. This is their West End debut and I don't think it's the last we've seen of Baylie Carson.
Claudia Kariuki
Claudia Kariuki plays Jane Seymour and she is fantastic in this role. She has amazing vocals which soar into the auditorium. She plays Jane to be vulnerable and you feel the emotion she is portraying. She harmonises beautifully and showcases her vocals in 'Heart of Stone' which has to be heard live.
Dionne Ward-Anderson
Dionne Ward-Anderson plays Anne of Cleves and she is perfect in the role. She interacts with the audience and she captures our attention with her comedy skills. Her vocal skills are impressive. She has powerhouse vocals which are not to be missed. This is Dionne's professional debut in the West End and Dionne Ward-Anderson is a name to look out for. We haven't seen the last of her.
Koko Basigara
Koko Basigara is Katherine Howard and she plays her to be sassy, fierce and vulnerable. She has great vocals which are evident in her rendition of 'All You Wanna Do'. She interacts with the cast perfectly and she engages with the audience. During Katherine's song, she has your attention.
Roxanne Couch
Roxanne Couch plays Catherine Parr and has a great stage presence throughout the show. She has strong vocals and great dancing ability. She plays Catherine Parr with a fierce attitude and it translates well to the audience.
All of the cast bring something different to the characters they respectively play. Their vocals harmonise beautifully together. This is a new, fresh and original take on the queens that we have all grown to love over the years.
★★★★★
Six the Musical is currently booking until 29th October 2023 and tickets can be booked here - London • Home | Six the Musical
Photos by Pamela Raith
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