On Stage: SIX The Musical

After a triumphant run in Melbourne in 2022 and an equally successful national tour, SIX the Musical, is back with a vengeance.

This new production is just as enjoyable as the last thanks to its energetic and talented performers who expertly present the show’s music score which is inspired by contemporary song hits, humorous dialogue and often complex dance moves.

As the name suggests SIX tells the story of Henry VIII’s six wives.

They are depicted as members of a pop group who are looking to the audience to decide who suffered the most as a result of being Henry’s wife.

The six tell their stories to music inspired by such artists as Beyoncé, Shakira, Lily Allen, Avril Lavigne, Adele, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears and Alicia Keys.

While the songs and the feel of the show are fun and upbeat, there’s an underlying message that the wives’ lives were pretty awful.  As we learn through the songs most were abused and treated appallingly by Henry and the other men around them.

And, of course, as is repeated quite often during the show, two of the six were beheaded (Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard), Henry divorced another two (Catherine of Aragon and Anna of Cleves) and one died after giving birth to a son (Jane Seymour). Only Catherine Parr outlived the King.

Furthermore, despite all they went through historically the six are only really known as a result of Henry’s murderous and selfish behaviour. Yet as SIX shows all have their own stories to tell.

Returning from the previous production are Loren Hunter as Jane Seymour and Chelsea Dawson as Katherine Howard.  They are joined by new cast members Kimberley Hodgson as Catherine of Aragon, Deirdre Khoo as Anne Boleyn, Zelia Rose Kitoko as Anna of Cleves and Giorgia Kennedy as Catherine Parr.  All gave stunning performances on the show’s opening night at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre.

They clearly portrayed the personality of their characters and worked brilliantly as a team.

As well as the group numbers, each is given a solo allowing them to showcase their singing and acting abilities. Both the individual and group numbers also highlight their excellent dancing skills as they handled challenging choreography with great aplomb.

A live band on stage including Claire Healy and Heidi Maguire on keys, Kathryn Stammers on drums, Danielle Colligan on guitar and Ann Metry on bass added to the high energy contemporary musical feel of the show.

The brainchild of Cambridge students Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss SIX premiered at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe. Since then it has graced stages in the United States including Broadway, London’s West End and many other countries winning numerous awards along the way.

Its success is easy to understand. In many ways SIX is the perfect modern stage show especially for younger audiences. There’s plenty of colour and movement thanks to the imaginative costumes, lighting and choreography. Its songs are inspired by the musical powerhouses of the current era and running for just 80 minutes it doesn’t outstay its welcome.

SIX is playing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre until October 20. It then moves to Theatre Royal Sydney from 25th October and QPAC’s Playhouse in Brisbane from January 2 2025. Visit the SIX website for more information and tickets.

*Photo credit: James D Morgan, Getty Images.

Jenny Burns attended the opening night of SIX The Musical as a guest of the producers.