THE international smash-hit SIX will be the first West End musical to perform again after lockdown – with a performance in the North-East.

For the next three months, SIX will be the only stage musical theatre fans in the region and country is able to see.

The show, which was nominated for five Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, won the WOS award for Best Musical 2020, and performed on the results show of Britain’s Got Talent and in front of thousands at West End Live, will play at 12 open air drive-in venues as part of Utilita Live From The Drive-In summer season at Teesside Airport.

The Northern Echo: SIX will play at 12 open air drive-in concert venues including Teesside AirportSIX will play at 12 open air drive-in concert venues including Teesside Airport

SIX will be performing in August, from Tuesday 18 to Sunday 23 and tells the story of Henry VIII's six wives, remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power

Around 300 vehicles can attend each show, with a maximum of seven people allowed in each car, who will be able to picnic and party as they watch the festival-style full length show live from a dedicated area next to their vehicle.

Designed to comply with official coronavirus guidelines, Utilita Live From The Drive-In looks to deliver concert quality sound from a live stage, with a full state of the art sound system, lighting rig and high definition LED screens, creating an arena or stadium concert feel in a safe Drive-In setting that adheres to social distancing rules – protecting fans, artists, crews and staff at all times.

SIX producer Kenny Wax said: “With the industry in crisis, theatres struggling and some even going out of business, this drive-in event offers hope for the future and equally importantly, jobs for about 50 of our company including cast, musicians, stage managers, technicians and freelancers.

"We are using both our West End and UK touring casts, rehearsing and touring them in a bubble and having them work in teams of six, fortunate for us, as per the government guidance.

"We are delighted that SIX will spearhead the reopening of one of London and the UK’s most popular shows."

Catering to all ages and genres, also performing at Teesside's Drive-In, which so far has dates from Friday, July 31 to Thursday, September 3, are The Streets, Boyzlife, Gary Numan and Dizzee Rascal, as well as Cream Classical Ibiza to Bjorn Again.

SIX tickets go on sale at 8am on July 3 at livenation.co.uk