On Stage: Six The Musical

It’s easy to understand why SIX the Musical is such a global phenomenon.

The show which returns to Melbourne for the third time in five years is heaps of fun and thoroughly entertaining.

This new production with a new cast is just as enjoyable as previous offerings 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.

The six new wives are Sarah Murr as Catherine of Aragon, Mia Paris Scalise as Anne Boleyn, Cara Bessey as Jane Seymour, Kadesa Honeyhill as Anna of Cleves, Angela Brischetto as Katherine Howard and Lorinda May Merrypor as Catherine Parr.

Their performances on the show’s opening night at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre was clearly appreciated by a most enthusiastic audience!

All six 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.

The supporting band of Claire Healy, Heidi Maguire, Kathryn Stammers, Danielle Colligan and Matilda Yang were equally as accomplished.

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.

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. And running for just 80 minutes it doesn’t outstay its welcome. It’s easy to understand why SIX is the winner of 38 international awards, including two Tony Awards and attracts more than 3.5 million fans annually.

SIX is playing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre until October 4 before moving to Theatre Royal Sydney from October 9 and QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre in Brisbane from January 2027. Visit the SIX website for more information and tickets.

Jenny Burns attended the opening night of Six as a guest of the production company.

*Photo credit: James D Morgan Getty Images.