SIX has arrived for a Sydney season at the Theatre Royal. Inspired by the six wives of Henry VIII, this fresh new musical, which debuted in London in 2017, is a vibrant, energising show that captivates and charms. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, “SIX is more than just brilliant music, it’s also a satire on how the nuances of this story has changed over the centuries, depending on who’s telling it” (Lucy Worsley).
And that it is – a very unique stage musical about the six wives of Henry VIII telling their stories through song and dance, accompanied by an all-female band. The Queen energy is big and bold in this one. Shout out to Music Director Claire Healy and Assistant Music Director Heidi Maguire who both also play keys. It was an excellent staging choice to have these musicians on stage with the performers, right where they should be seen and heard.
Exemplifying the stark differences of the Queens (yet united through their marriages to the same King), the costuming is a dynamic vision by Gabriella Slade. Each Queen is matched to a certain colour and their costuming tailormade to match their personality, physical presence, and history. A history that dates back over 500 years ago.
Played by Kimberley Hodgson, Catherine of Aragon (in gold) delivers a feisty performance, kicking off the Queen battle. Anne Boleyn (in green) is played by Deidre Khoo. Now, having seen her on stage twice before with The Rocky Horror Show, this reviewer is a little bit biased, but her voice and comic timing are absolutely perfect (in this role, and always). Could never get tired of her reminding the other Queens that she was beheaded.
The most maternal of the bunch, Jane Seymour (in silver) is played by Loren Hunter and delivers a heart-breaking solo that had a couple of audience members on their feet in rapturous applause. Anna of Cleves (in red), played by Zelia Rose Kitoko, physically stood out from the rest. Perhaps it was the glorious killer knee-high boots, or the natural charm and stellar dance technique.
Katherine Howard, played by Chelsea Dawson (in pink) the youngest queen, is bright and bubbly adding a liveliness with a hint of cheekiness to the stage. And last (but not in the slightest, least) Catherine Parr (the Queen in blue), played by Giorgia Kennedy, had a vocality that really blew the others away without even needing to belt out anything. All six performers are very strong in their own rights and capture each Queen’s history (or as they phrase it, her-story) in a distinctive and self-reflective way.
All in all, SIX is a great snappy musical, running for a tight 80 minutes (no interval) that will leave you energised and wanting more. More modern historical re-representation, yes please! Who would have thunk it?
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
SIX the Musical is playing at the Theatre Royal (108 King Street, Sydney) until the 28 December 2024
Tickets available HERE
The reviewer attended the opening night on 30 October 2024.
Header image credit: James D Morgan – Getty Images
