Last month my husband and I ventured to Salford to visit the Queens exhibition at The Lowry, and what a royal treat it was! The exhibition, inspired by the hit musical SIX, runs from July 20th to November 3rd, 2024, and it offers an engaging mix of history, art, and interactive fun.
As we arrived, the exhibition was located on level two in the Galleries, easily accessible by stairs & Lift. Although entry is free, booking a timeslot online is a must to avoid disappointment, as availability can be limited on the day.
One of the first things we received upon entry was a "Find the Queen" scavenger hunt card. Hidden throughout the exhibition were mini queens, and we had a blast finding them all! It added a playful, engaging element to our visit. The exhibition kicks off with an informative board about the concept of "Queen," and then you’re greeted by two of Gabriella Slade’s iconic costumes from SIX – those of Catherine of Aragon and Katherine Howard. Initially, all six costumes were advertised, but production demands meant only these two were on display. While this was a bit disappointing, the intricate details of the costumes were stunning to see up close.
I particularly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes pieces from Lucy Moss’s personal collection. A script marked with notes was a standout, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind the musical.
The exhibition also explores the pop royalty inspirations behind each queen: Catherine of Aragon and Beyoncé, Anne Boleyn and Avril Lavigne, Jane Seymour and Adele, Anna of Cleves and Rihanna, Katherine Howard and Britney Spears, and Catherine Parr and Emeli Sandé. This blend of historical and modern references is fascinating.
Another highlight was the section on "everyday queens," featuring images of drag queens, Lady Gaga fans, and everyday heroes captured by The Mancorialist. It celebrated the idea that everyone can be a queen in their own right.
Interactive elements were abundant. There’s a photo booth with props to create your own royal portrait, a "Which Queen Are You?" board (I got Jane Seymour!), and karaoke booths for belting out pop queen songs. One of my favourites was the UV-lit House of Holbein, where we could draw and add our creations to the walls.
The souvenir shop offered a great selection of SIX merchandise, history books, and books about famous women, perfect for taking a piece of the exhibition home.
We spent about an hour exploring everything. Afterwards, we headed to the Pier Eight bar, renamed The Queens Head for the duration of the exhibition. Though the food options didn’t suit my tastes (a chicken burger option would have been nice), the mocktails were delightful. I had the Queen of Hearts (raspberry juice, soda, and lemon), and Lawrence tried Queen Victoria (strawberry and orange juice). Both were refreshing, but the Queen of Hearts was my favourite.
The Lowry’s dedication to making this a free exhibition, coupled with the vibrant engagement activities like arts & crafts, silent discos, and dance workshops, makes it a must-visit.
In summary, Queens: The Exhibition is a delightful homage to SIX and the broader concept of queenship. It’s inclusive, creative, and packed with personality – just like the musical that inspired it. Don’t miss your chance to step into this enchanting Queendom!
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Queens The Exhibition is on at The Lowry until 3rd November 2024, you can book your free tickets by clicking on the button below.
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