“SIX: The Musical Live” (which delivers exactly what the title promises) proves that a filmed stage production doesn’t need flashy Hollywood spectacle to be entertaining. Captured live at London’s Vaudeville Theatre with the original West End cast, this theatrical cinematic release brings the energy of one of the world’s biggest musicals to the big screen. It feels less like watching a recording and more like having a front row seat to the performance.
Unlike a traditional musical, this one plays out like a stadium pop concert mixed with a battle of the bands competition where Henry VIII’s six wives each take the microphone to argue why they had it the worst. Instead of letting history define them by one king, the queens reclaim their own stories and discover that their strength comes from standing together rather than competing against each other.
The original West End cast is the film’s biggest asset. Jarneia Richard-Noel, Millie O’Connell, Natalie Paris, Alexia McIntosh, Aimie Atkinson, and Maiya Quansah-Breed all deliver the powerhouse vocals and effortless chemistry that made them such a hit on the theater stage. Each queen is inspired by a different pop superstar, so every number has its own personality. Even if you’re not familiar with the musical (or don’t love every song), the performances are engaging enough to pull you in.
Director Liz Clare also makes great use of the camera, bringing audiences closer to the action than most theater seats ever could. The close ups showcase Gabriella Slade’s glittering costumes, the sharp choreography, and the performers’ expressions without losing the excitement of a live performance. The movie preserves the magic of theater while making it accessible to audiences who may never get the chance to see the show on stage.
Of course, this is still a filmed stage production. If you’re expecting the scale of a Hollywood movie musical, the single set presentation may feel a little limited. This was never one of my favorite musicals, and I wasn’t wholly enamored by the cinematic version either. But the focus stays entirely on the cast, their voices, and the music, and they more than carry the show.
If you’re an aficionado of live theater, you’ll probably enjoy “SIX” The Musical Live.” It’s funny, energetic, empowering, and refreshingly modern. Current fans will especially appreciate seeing the original West End Queens reunited, while newcomers will find it an entertaining and accessible introduction to an award-winning musical.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 