Tim Dennant

We saw Six last night in Birmingham. I had no preconceptions about the show at all as it was my partner who was keen to see it. She loved it. Myself, not so much. ... Many of the reviews are correct in saying that this is not a musical, but more of a pop concert. It is very much like a manufactured girl group singing songs with a historic theme for an hour. Yes, as far as 'musicals' go, it is also very short. ... I enjoyed the first 3 songs somewhat. They were upbeat, humourous, and entertaining, but then the tone shifts massively into somber prior to the fourth song which I felt is where the show started heading downhill. After that it felt like it struggled to balance between comedic entertainment and dealing with sensitive historic points, making uncomfortable references to abuse, miscarriage, consent...but in a fun way... (I'm kidding, there is no way to these topics should be fun). The final soloist just fell really flat, starting off with a too-long uncomfortable silence (was it meant to be funny?), devoid of personality and a forgettable song. ... I didn't really get the show, there were no costume changes, sets, story, or cast (6 singers and 4 band members throughout). It felt very rehearsed and lacked the personal touch that the theatre normally brings. I left feeling somewhat deflated and disappointed. I'm glad my partner enjoyed it otherwise I would have been sad at the cost.