Overcoming Shyness to Achieve Success
Aimie Atkinson, one of the original six members of the musical Six, has attributed her experiences in childhood to overcoming her shyness and achieving success in the West End. She recalls her introduction to theater at the Gordon Craig Theater in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, as "everything."
Early Beginnings
As a 13-year-old, Atkinson was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight while working as a second-line performer for a pantomime production of Cinderella. This experience sparked her passion for theater, and she remembers feeling "really shy, uncertain" but also excited to perform. She says, "I really loved it, and that really made me think, ‘Oh, I want to do that.’"
The Power of Local Theater
Atkinson encourages young fans who want a future in the West End to visit their local amateur clubs. She believes that these clubs are "so accessible" and "not very expensive," making them an ideal place to start. She advises, "I think it’s definitely a place to start. Then, from there, it was something like every day. I think it’s just doing something small every day that you want to do."
The Impact of Six the Musical
Atkinson reflected on the success of Six the Musical, a show about the wives of Henry VIII, in which she played the role of Katherine Howard. She describes the experience as "amazing" and says that the film featuring the original cast was "like a feeling of coming home" because her co-stars had become like family to her.
A New Album and Collaboration
Atkinson’s latest album, Queen, is set to be released in June and has been influenced by her experiences in Six the Musical. The lead single, a cover of Heart’s "Alone," is a duet with her original Six co-star Natalie Paris. Atkinson describes Paris as "an incredible singer" and says they wanted to create something "epic, cinematic, and queenly." The album features covers of songs from other shows she has been in, showcasing her growth as an artist.
Life After Six
When asked if it’s nicer to perform without being disguised as a queen, Atkinson jokes, "Listen, I love to wear a crown, you never know." Her humility and passion for her craft are evident as she continues to inspire young performers to pursue their dreams, just as she did when she first stepped onto the stage at the Gordon Craig Theater.
