Six Programme

By Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss

6th – 10th February 2024 University Drama Studio, Sheffield

Presents

By Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss This amateur production of SIX: TEEN EDITION is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.www.concordtheatricals.co.uk Originally Produced in the West End by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles Originally Produced on Broadway by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes, George Stiles and Kevin McCollum in association with Chicago Shakespeare Theater

“The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings or streams of this production is strictly prohibited and a violation of United Kingdom Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Chairpersons Welcome Thank you for joining us for our production of SIX: Teen Edition. We’re thrilled to be back here at the University Drama Studio!

It’s been a hugely busy 12 months for Splinters Theatre Group. We began the run with our new annual concert ‘More Than Words’, ‘Our House – The Madness Musical in September and then straight into rehearsals for this fantastic show! It’s very rare you’ll find us performing at this time of year but when a show comes round like this, it’s not something you can pass up on.

When we first announced the show, we were inundated with applications and auditioned nearly 50 people. The talent that came through the door was incredible and with just six parts it was an impossible task. The solution – 2 casts. So whichever team you’ve come to see, I’m sure you’ll be blown away!

As you know there’s a huge team behind every show we put on and I’d like to say a massive thank you to the production team and everyone who works behind the scenes for the tireless work they’ve put into this show and managing to juggle rehearsing the 2 casts. I’d also like to thank our amazing management team who work continuously throughout the year to ensure that Splinters Theatre Group goes from strength to strength!

And finally, thank you to you, our amazing audience, for coming along and supporting the group. It really is appreciated and we couldn’t do it without you! It’s great to see familiar and new faces every year and we hope to see you all again in the not-too-distant future!

2024 is set to be another busy year for Splinters. Rehearsals for our September production, Footloose begin in March and we’re looking forward to bringing back our ‘More Than Words’ concert again in May. Tickets for these will be on sale shortly so keep your eyes peeled!

This is the bit where I’d normally say sit back, relax and enjoy the performance of SIX: Teen Edition! However, I’m pretty confident you’ll all be dancing by the end!

CGDC

CGDC

SYNOPSIS “Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived.”

Six is a modern retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. They have come together as a band to stage a pop concert and invite the audience to hear their stories.

They cannot decide who should be the lead singer, so they initiate a competition, or singing battle, to see who suffered the most as Queen.

Each wife believes they had it toughest and they belittle each other’s attempts to prove their hardship. However, they become frustrated that their place in history is defined by one man. Together, they decide to pick up the pen and the microphone and re-write their own stories.

They are more than a rhyme, more than a wife, and much more than one King could handle.

Musical Numbers Ex Wives No Way Don’t Lose Your Head Heart of Stone Get Down All You Wanna Do I don’t Need Your Love SIX Mega SIX

SIX Catherine of Aragon Anne Boleyn Jane Seymour Anne of Cleves Katherine Howard Catherine parr SIX SIX

A bit of Her-Story for you Birth and Death Place of Birth Marriage

Children Interests Cause of Death Song Inspiration

Birth and Death Place of Birth Marriage Children Interests Cause of Death Song Inspiration

Birth and Death Place of Birth Marriage Children Interests Cause of Death Song Inspiration

ONE: Catherine of Aragon 15th December 1485 – 7th January 1536 Palace of Alcala de Henares, Spain 1. Arthur (Henrys Older brother) 14th November 1501 aged 15 2.Henry 11th June 1509 aged 23 Mary – Born 18th February 1516 Mary became Queen Mary 1st Religion, Sewing, Dancing Cancer Beyonce & Shakira

TWO: Anne Boleyn Unknown – 19th May 1536 Bickling Hall, Norfolk, England Henry 25th January 1533 (aged 31) Elizabeth born 7th September 1533 later to become Elizabeth I Fashion, Dancing, Collecting Evangelical Works Executed on Tower Green, London Lily Allen & Avril Lavigne

THRee: Jane Seymour 1507/1508 – 24th October 1537 Wulf Hall, Wiltshire, England Henry 30th May 1536 (aged 28/29) Edward, born 12th October 1537 later to become Edward VI Religious Faith Haemorrhage caused by childbirth Adele & Sia

Birth and Death Place of Birth Marriage Children Interests Cause of Death Song Inspiration

Four: Anne of Cleves 1515 – 16th July 1557 Schloss Berg, Germany Henry 6th January 1540 (aged 24) None Staying Alive Cancer Nicki Minaj & Rihanna

Birth and Death Place of Birth Marriage Children Interests Cause of Death Song Inspiration

Five: Kathryn howard 1523 – 13th February 1542 Norfolk House, Lambeth, England Henry 28th July 1540 (age 17) None Dancing, Music, Animals Executed on Tower Green, London Ariana Grande & Britney Spears

Birth and Death Place of Birth Marriage

Children Interests Cause of Death Song Inspiration

six: catherine parr 1512 – 5th September 1548 Blackfriars, London 1. Sir Edward Burgh, a courtier 1529 – 1533 2. John Neville, 1534 – 1543 3. Henry 12th July 1543 4. Thomas Seymour May 1547 A daughter to Thomas Seymour Writing Books, encouraging education, reformation Childbirth Alicia Keys & Sande

Cast 1 Miquelle Sanchez - Catherine of Aragon. With this being my first show with splinters it’s an understatement to say I’m nervous. This cast is honestly AMAZING and I can’t imagine doing this show with other people. As one of the youngest there’s definitely been times where I thought I wasn’t up to it but with endless support from everyone I haven’t had a single doubt.

Over these past months we’ve grown so close and these girls feel like a second family. I’m so excited and lucky to be a part of this and be able to play such an iconic role and we hope you enjoy!

Maddie Durkin - Anne Boleyn. This is my first show with Splinters and it has been such an amazing experience. This group of girls are so talented and I have loved working with each and every one of them. Something I have learned from rehearsals for SIX is how important teamwork is as well as your own individuality, and as a result of this, I feel we have become so close as a group which will hopefully reflect in our performance. Not only has this show helped me improve in my musical theatre skills, but I feel like it has shaped me as a performer and made my confidence double in size. For this, I want to thank Splinters and all the girls I’m performing this show with.

Faye Tweedle - Jane Seymour. Even though this is my first show with Splinters I feel like I’ve been part of the family forever. Working with these extremely talented queens every week has not only been the highlight of my week but has also taught me the hard work and teamwork needed to produce an astounding performance. I’ve been dancing since a young age and started singing 7 years ago which is how I found my passion for Musical theatre.

Splinters has helped my become a confident performer and I’m so grateful for the experience.

Edie Butterfield - Anne of Cleves. This is my first show with Splinters and it has been nothing short of fantastic. Working with such talented cast members has been an absolute joy.

The fun I've had throughout the entire rehearsal process has truly made this experience unforgettable. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, and I couldn't have asked for a better group of Queens to rock the stage with. This show will be cemented as one of my core memories forever. Thank you Splinters and thank you SIX.

Cerys Wright - Kathryn Howard. This is my second production with ‘splinters’ and it has been what I can only describe as phenomenal. Since joining Splinters I have explored different areas of production and performing which has really helped me piece together how a production is actually brought together. They have really helped me come out of my shell and begin to grow as the performer I wish to be. Through the rehearsal process we have all been inspired to just be ourselves and truly go for it, there are ups and downs but as soon as we come together as a group we are there for each other. I am beyond proud of the five girls I have been chosen to work with. They are all amazing which I hope you will see throughout the show. So overall, I wish to thank ‘Splinters’ for such an amazing opportunity and the cast for working SO hard.

Elle McGhie - Catherine Parr. Elle found her love for musical theatre as a young toddler at her baby boppers class in Tenerife where she was born! Her passion has grown as she has through the years in her dance classes and performances. With a big move to Sheffield in 2022 came an even bigger love for the theatre and with the help of Steelpointe Theatre Arts, Musical Theatre became her first love! SIX has been a joy to rehearse, the cast and teachers are a real pleasure to work alongside and I'm so grateful for all that I've learned over the past six months! I Can't wait to share the stage with these awesome Queens! Enjoy the show! Love Ellé xx

Cast 2 Jessica Smith - Catherine of Aragon. This is my third show with Splinters and I’m so excited to have the opportunity of being a part of such an incredible show. Rehearsals have been amazing and over the past few months we’ve all become such a close team and I hope that reflects in our performance. After playing Sarah in our house last year, this has been a massive change for me as only having six members has been challenging at times, however it has allowed me to become a better performer overall and I hope we do the SIX Queens justice, enjoy!

Ruby Chu - Anne Boleyn. SIX has been my first show with Splinters and also my first show ever. It has been an amazing experience, from the first rehearsal everyone was so lovely, and we’ve grown really close. The rehearsals were fun but also taught me so much.

I’m beyond grateful for all the support the cast and directors have given me, and I feel so lucky to be able to play Anne Boleyn.

Faith Birnie - Jane Seymour. This is my first show with Splinters Theatre Group, however I have been in many shows before with my favourites role's being Pugsley in The Addams Family and Lavender in Matilda jr. I have always loved the part of Jane Seymour so I am over the moon with the opportunity to play this role amongst my other cast mates and new found friends, I hope you enjoy the show as much as I have enjoyed playing this part, much love Jane Seymour!

Kassia Hibbert - Anne of Cleves. It seems almost inevitable that at some point I would be part of a Splinters production having been born into Splinters rehearsals and socials and am so thrilled to be carrying on a family tradition in such an amazing show with such an amazing cast, who I have become so close with. I have been emersed in musical theatre and dancing since as soon as I could walk. I’ve been a member of the Amanda Holland School of Dance for 15 years and have appeared with several local theatre companies including Hallam and Handsworth, RTSA, STOS, DMTG, and Endellion. Past roles include Annie (Annie), Sandy (Grease), Flotsam (Little Mermaid), and Julie (Our House). My favourite show (other than SIX obvs!) is Heathers and the dream role is Lydia (Beetlejuice).

Olivia Burgon - Kathryn Howard. Theatre has always been a part of my life, I’ve attended multiple theatre schools and taken part in endless shows since being young. However, to be able to perform in such a small cast full of lovely people has been an unforgettable experience while playing such an iconic part. Playing Kathryn Howard in SIX is a dream role for me, so to be able to take part in Splinters version of SIX has been an amazing opportunity.

Some of my favourite roles have been Elphaba (Wicked), Audrey 2 (Little Shop of Horrors), Lord Farquad (Shrek) and this summer I will be playing Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes).

Lauren Turner - Catherine Parr. This will be my third show with splinters and my first ever principle role. I've enjoyed being in Splinters so much but working with all the amazing people on this show (on and off stage) has been particularly special. This show has definitely been demanding but it worth every second and I hope our work has paid off. I also have a passion for history, one that I'm pursuing at university which made me all the more enthusiastic to be a part of this incredible cast!

Cast 2

Cast 1 Catherine of Aragon Anne Boleyn Jane Seymour Anna of Cleves Katherine Howard Catherine Parr

Miquelle Sanchez Maddie Durkin Faye Tweedle Edie Butterfield Cerys Wright Elle McGhie

Catherine of Aragon Anne Boleyn Jane Seymour Anna of Cleves Katherine Howard Catherine Parr

Ladies In Waiting Musical Director/ Keys (Joan) Drums (Maria) Guitar (Maggie Bass (Bessie)

Jane Ledwood Alice Wood Clem Nash-Ruffell Natasha Ellison

Jessica Smith Ruby Chu Faith Biriie Kassia Hibbert Olivia Burgon Lauren Turner

Production Team Director Choreographer Musical Director Assistant Director Dance Captain Production manager Stage Manager Deputy Stage Manager Lighting Design Sound Design Wardrobe Manager Set Construction Assistant Stage Manager Make up Consultation Publicity/Marketing FOH Manager Programme Photography

Kate Parkin Aggie Grysell Jane Ledwood Leah Rhodes-Burch Ashleigh Andrew John Crowther Kat Ellis Jodie Garth TDX Lighting Chris Peston James Easter Pete Miles & Kev Chambers Charlie Rushforth Fern Lynch-Bowers Kate Parkin Mary Newey Kate Parkin Roe-Parkin Creative

Management Team Chair Person Treasurer Business Manager Administrator Production Manager Child Protection Officer Marketing Manager Members Representative Technical Advisor

Special Thanks Direct Print and Promotion Ecco Theatre Arts Roe-Parkin Creative Fern Lynch-Bowers University Drama Studio

James Parkin Mark Holmes Ian Walker Rachel Wadsworth John Crowther Sarah Addis Kate Parkin Leah Rhodes-Burch Pete Miles

Production Team Kate Parkin - Director - I was over the moon to be given the opportunity to direct with Splinters again and with such an incredible show as SIX. As always, this show has presented some challenges, rehearsing 2 casts has been manic but these Queens have stepped up to the mark and each cast bring their own special unique quality to their performances. I couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them and anyone who knows me will know many an emotional tear has been shed! Thank you to the incredible team I’ve had around me this year Jane, Aggie, Leah and Ashleigh, Girl power is out in force! I hope you all have an amazing time, don’t forget to dance and clap and cheer as loud as you can!!

Jane Ledwood - Musical Director - Jane graduated from Leeds Conservatoire (2:1) in 2001, where she specialised in piano and flute. Formerly a Head of Music, Jane has been teaching across the area for 22 years. She has been Musical Director for several productions and accompanied for various societies, groups and schools for over 25 years. This is her first stint with Splinters and has loved working with a fab team and amazingly talented ladies!

Aggie Gryszel - Choreographer - Aggie started dancing at the age of 3 at the Betty Chappelle Dance Centre in Penistone. Aggie was fortunate enough to secure a place at Phil Winstons' Theatre Works, in Blackpool, where she studied for 3 years.

Over the years Aggie’s professional dancing career has seen her perform throughout the UK in Pantomimes and stage shows and internationally, on board several ships for the cruise line Carnival Cruises. Aggie is affiliated to several amateur operatic societies throughout South Yorkshire and has choreographed numerous productions, most recently Footloose, Fame, Rock of ages, Loserville and ‘Rent’ at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Aggie is a qualified member of the I.D.T.A and teaches all branches of the I.D.T.A syllabus, specialising in Modern Jazz, Gymnastics Dance, Street and Tap - More recently Aggie has welcomed her second Son Sebastian and is loving teaching her boys all about the love Dance. Aggie is so excited to be back working with Splinters again and has loved being part of such an incredible show as SIX.

Leah Rhodes-Burch - Assistant Director - Leah has loved being part of Six and getting to know the Queens. It has been great to be part of the show from ‘behind the scenes’ watching the Queens work together to produce some quality work which she knows you will all enjoy.

It has been an absolute please to work with Kate, Jane, Aggie and Ashleigh - a phenomenal force behind a piece celebrating and supporting women in the arts!

Ashleigh Andrew - Dance Captain - Ashleigh started dancing since the age of 3 at Spotlight School of Dance and later at Constance Grant Dance Centre. She currently studying dance at CAPA college. Ash joined Splinters for High School Musical in 2022 and had a ball in Our House in 2023. She was thrilled to be given the opportunity to be dance Captain for SIX. Ashleigh has loved working with such an incredible cast and brilliant production team and can’t wait for you to see all the hard work that has been put into this show! Let’s do this Queens!!

In Rehearsal

Past Productions 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2022 2023 2024

Godspell Grease West Side Story The Wiz Jesus Christ Superstar Barnum Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Dracula Spectacular Return to the Forbidden Planet At The Hop Godspell Robin; Prince of Sherwood Guys & Dolls From Hollywood to Broadway West Side Story Cabaret Little Shop of Horrors Summer holiday Copacabana We Will Rock You Boogie Nights 42nd Street Our House The Wedding Singer Eurobeat Happy Days South Pacific Fame Loserville West Side Story Copacabana Sister Act High School Musical Our House SIX – Teen Edition

2015 2016 2019

Rent Rock of Ages Jesus Christ Superstar

Come and Join Us ……..

Splinters is open to everyone between the ages of 14-30 interested in getting involved in musical theatre.

Splinters provides many opportunities to explore and discover all aspects of theatre production whether it be on stage or behind the scenes.

Many of our members have gone on to work professionally in “The Business” on stage and screen and we love seeing their careers flourish.

Our mission is to give the youth of Sheffield the chance to experience working in a professional environment, to help our members build their confidence while having fun and making friendships that last a lifetime.

If you would like to get involved, please contact us through our website we are always looking for new members both on stage and behind the scenes and you would be very welcome.

www.splinterstheatregroup.co.uk

Splinters Theatre Group is proud to be affiliated to the national Operatic and Dramatic Association.

NODA was founded in 1899 and has over 2,000 society members and over 1,000 individual enthusiasts staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a wide range of venues.

Noda aims: Noda Mission: •Give a shared voice to the amateur theatre sector.

NODA’s mission is to support the education and •Help amateur societies and individuals achieve the information highest standards of best practice and performance. needs of individuals and organisations with •Provide leadership and advice to enable the amateur high quality services theatre sector to tackle the challenges and and products that contribute to the success of opportunities of the 21st century. amateur theatre as well as encouraging appreciation of the sector by participants and audiences alike.

Visit our website to join today noda.org.uk

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