Review Six: The Queendom Takes Amsterdam: Does SIX Hit Differently in Carré?
Star rating ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Entrance: Pure Anticipation
From the moment the lights dimmed, the atmosphere in the Royal Theatre Carré was electric.
There is something iconic about the opening of SIX: the smoke, the lighting, and just enough silhouette to see the queens appear. Even for a Dutch audience, which can sometimes be more reserved, the crowd's support was deafening. It proved that the "Queendom" isn't just a British phenomenon; it’s a global one.
The Cultural Shift: Energy vs. Intimacy.
What fascinated me most as a critic was the rhythmic shift in the Dutch audience compared to the West End.
The Peaks: During high-energy songs like "No Way" and the "Megamix", the crowd mirrored the London energy, standing ovations and a full-blown concert vibe.
The Silence: However, during the ballads, I witnessed something different. The room went silent.
It felt like a deep, collective focus; the audience wasn't just watching; they were intently listening to the performance. This level of listening is rare and shows a profound respect for the material.
The Language Barrier: Navigating British Humour
SIX is known for its humour and themed wordplay. As an international, I’m always curious: does the British humour translate? While some of the more niche historical references might be a challenge for a non-English-speaking crowd, the universal themes of empowerment and reclaiming one's narrative are undeniable. The cast showed incredible technical skill, subtly adjusting their timing to allow the humour to land across borders.
The Venue: A Royal Contrast Seeing SIX in Carré—the "theatre temple" of the Netherlands—creates a fascinating aesthetic tension. Placing these neon-lit, pop-inspired Queens within such a classic, historic setting adds a layer of prestige you don’t always feel in the smaller West End houses. The fact that the show has returned for multiple years proves that Amsterdam has truly embraced this modern "royal" homecoming.
The Global Crowd
What struck me most was the diversity in the lobby. I met fans from Belgium, the UK, and beyond. It shows that SIX has become a "destination musical". People aren't just seeing it because it's in town; they are travelling across borders to see how the queens conquer different stages and supporting them all over the world.
More info about the cast and touring locations can be found here:
