Melbourne’s East End Theatre District glowed purple on Wednesday, August 7th, to celebrate the premiere of the smash-hit musical SIX. Since its debut in 2017, SIX has taken the musical theatre world by storm, and this run marks the show’s highly-anticipated second time in Australia (or the third run if you consider the COVID interruption!).
If you’re unfamiliar, SIX tells the story of King Henry VIII’s six wives, in a totally unique way. With glitzy pop star outfits (courtesy of costume designer Gabriella Slade), smoke machines, a four-piece (all-female!) band and the most insanely catchy and upbeat songs- it’s more like a rock concert than a traditional musical.
The show starts with the six wives- Kimberley Hodgson as Catherine of Aragon, Deirdre Khoo as Anne Boleyn, Loren Hunter as Jane Seymour, Zelda Rose Kitoko as Anne of Cleves, Chelsea Dawson as Katherine Howard and Giorgia Kennedy as Catherine Parr- taking to the stage with a dramatic opening number. This gave me full-body chills, and the smile on my face did not budge for the next 80 minutes.
The vibes inside the theatre were off the charts, with the audience fully immersed in the spectacular show. The cast interacted with the audience, much like a pop star would at a stadium show, before announcing that they would compete to see which wife had a more miserable life.
Each member performed their own number telling the story of how they met and wed Henry, and how they met their demise. While historically accurate, the slight modernisations and hilarious banter made this feel less like a history lesson and more like the most fun party ever. Personal standouts were Hodgson as Catherine of Aragon and Dawson as Katherine Howard- both having the most entertaining and upbeat numbers, with a powerful vocal delivery that garnered huge reactions from the buzzed audience. Khoo’s performance of the hilarious “Don’t Lose Ur Head” deserves an honourable mention also, because this track is so wonderful. Each number was flawless, with all six cast members blowing our socks off not only with their vocals but also with their perfect timing and synchronised choreography. Not a single note or beat was missed, making for a truly perfect show.
The finale shows the wives coming together to rewrite history (or herstory, IYKYK), with each reclaiming their stories and imagining what they would have become if it weren’t for the king who so selfishly determined their fate. This act was so powerful and brought a tear to my eye.
It’s really not enough to describe this show, you absolutely have to experience it. I cannot say enough about how tremendous it is, and even if musical theatre typically isn’t your thing, this will be, trust me.
The Australian cast is truly outstanding, as are the live band and everyone else involved. Whether or not you’re already familiar with the soundtrack, I guarantee you’ll be dancing and singing along in your seat.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
SIX will be in Melbourne at the Comedy Theatre until mid-October, don’t miss out! Grab your tickets HERE
