Review: Six Chick Flicks – a hilarious, insightful parody

KK Apple and Kerry Ipema © Six Chick Flicks

Did you know that Pretty Woman's original title was 3,000, to reflect the $3,000 Richard Gere's character Edward negotiates with Julia Roberts' character, Vivian in the film? Me neither. But it's just one of the movie titbits I learned at last night's Six Chick Flicks show at the Waterside.

Six Chick Flicks…Or a Legally Blonde Pretty Woman Dirty Danced on the Beaches While Writing a Notebook on the Titanic is written by Kerry Ipema and TJ Dawe and performed by Ipema and KK Apple. It begins with Titanic, introducing the ‘Rose Effect’ to the audience. You'll have to watch the show to find out what that is, though.

American actors Ipema and Apple have been touring the UK for over two months so far, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and strong on-stage performance. Their genuine rapport shines through, making the audience feel just awkward enough when discussing topics people often prefer to avoid (but shouldn’t), like Roe v. Wade. 

At first glance, the hour and 45-minute performance might seem poised to cover old tropes, but this is far from the truth. While Ipema and Apple infuse plenty of nostalgia by parodying the classics, their show is filled with modern twists that keep it relevant. Despite the limited staging (think one box) and basic props, their performances are so compelling that the minimalistic setup feels just right. The script is sharp, witty, polished and fun. 

Audience interaction was well-received, with the sharing of 'meet cutes' at the interval. The best stories are shared in the second half, creating a safe, inclusive space where no one is made to feel silly or stupid. If you're planning to attend, be open to sharing your own stories!

While I enjoy chick flicks, I often cringe at the portrayal of women in them, many written by men. Ipema and Apple address this head-on, highlighting the absurdity without deterring fans. Their parody showcases major moments from the six classics they cover, while unafraid to cast a critical eye on their most ridiculous aspects. This shouldn’t put you off the show if you're a chick flick fan though; while you might never watch your favourites in the same way again, it’s probably for a good reason. 

The Six Chick Flicks UK tour continues until the end of June and then it's on to the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, where I suspect more glowing reviews await.

🎟 PR invite: tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review.