Aug 215 min read

Six The Musical, 2024 – Comedy Theatre, Melbourne (VIC)

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss

The SIX wives of Henry VIII return to Australia in this feminist, empowering, pop concert musical that promises to have you losing your head

Reviewed by Annika Loci

Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

Until 20th October, 2024

Tickets from: www.sixthemusical.com.au

In this day and age, of social media, streaming, viral videos and information at our fingertips, musical theatre can reach media, promotion and create a following before the first ticket has even been scanned at the door. A musical no longer needs to spend decades building up fans and rely heavily on patron’s word of mouth and expensive promotional campaigns. With dedicated theatre and production specific blogs, vlogs, social media pages, websites, YouTube, and super fan posts; theatre now reaches a larger variety of potential patrons which has pushed creatives to look outside the box and has given an outlet for potential writers, designers, musicians and performers to promote their work to wider audiences. SIX the Musical is one such product of this digital influence.

In the summer of 2017, Cambridge University students Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow (Book, Lyrics, Music) were asked to create a non-traditional, low budget original musical for the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The result was a one act concept style musical performed in pop concert genre about the six wives of Henry VIII. SIX is an attempt to give these female historical figures a voice in their own story, which five hundred years ago was traditionally told by men.

Photos by James D. Morgan – Getty Images

Using different modern musical influences, each wife gives a brief outline of why they had the outcome they did (divorced, beheaded, died, or survived) with the story loosely weaving their arguments on who had the toughest life or suffered the most at the hands of their husband. In the end, the wives realise they can change their narrative to being empowered, ultimately creating a “remix” for their stories. Modern references are used to connect past to present which resonate with diverse audiences and represent social parallels. A great example is the selection of 'Anna of Cleves' by a painting related to swiping left or right on dating apps.

Its digital presence and global popularity has seen SIX gain five star notoriety across the globe within just 7 years of its release. SIX has toured the world with residency productions on West End and Broadway and multiple tours throughout US, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the first non-English production in South Korea. SIX now boasts a staggering figure of over one billion streaming downloads (from the original and Broadway cast albums combined), and most recently performing to a world-wide audience for the Platinum Jubilee celebration concert.

After the finale and bows, the encore performance 'Mega-Six' sees patrons encouraged to film the number and share online. Promotion of cosplay and fan art, discussions and analysis of the music, and being the top performed songs on TikTok have helped to create viral trends. With millions of views, posts and shares online, SIX has an enormous following of passionate fans known as the “Queendom” which are highly dedicated to celebrating their Queens (including swings).

an exciting combination of new and returning cast members

Similar to Hamilton, SIX has been acknowledged and celebrated for breathing new life into history, receiving 35 international awards (including Tony, Grammy, Olivier) among many, for Best Musical, Original Score and Costume. Gabriella Slade's multi-award winning costumes use distinct colour representation, modern designs with Tudor dress influences whilst keeping with the look of a current day pop concert. Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's multi-genre choreography, Tom Curran's sound, Emma Bailey's set design and Tim Deiling's lighting design create a vivid world on stage, a “tech-pop Tudor court” for the queens and their ladies in waiting (on-stage band) to present their 'Divorced, Beheaded, Died Concert'.

Due to its popularity with the Australian Queendom, SIX returns for a second tour of Australia within four years, with an exciting combination of new and returning cast members. Fans can expect to see little updates and tweaks in costumes and set to bring it in line with current overseas residency productions, and some breathtaking harmonies with strength in the music and vocal performances being a highlight.

Channeling her inner Beyoncé is Kimberley Hodgson as Catherine of Aragon. Hodgson brings attitude, experience and vocal strength from her most recent her role as Anita in West Side Story. Deirdre Khoo successfully finds her own sass and comedic timing as Anne Boleyn. Returning to court is Loren Hunter as Jane Seymour. Having seen Hunter perform this role multiple times, her performance is full of energy, however her Adele-style power ballad “Heart of Stone” lacks strength that I’ve seen from her previously. Also reprising her role is Chelsea Dawson, as the pretty in pink Katherine Howard. Bringing a new level of confidence and underlying sense of playfulness to the characterisation, I enjoyed a new level of stagecraft maturity in Dawson's performance as well, particularly in “All You Want To Do”.

...highlights what can be learned through the power of women exclusively sharing and telling their stories together

Relative newcomer to the Australian Musical Theatre scene is Zelia Rose Kitoko with her interpretation of the Hip Hop/ Rhianna inspired Anna of Cleves. With her strong background in burlesque, Kitoko certainly brings the physical confidence of Cleves, and looks particularly amazing in the updated costume. Taking motivation from Alicia Keys is our final queen Catherine Parr played by Giorgia Kennedy who has come directly off her understudy role of Juliet in the Australasian company of &Juliet. Creating a relatable and powerful performance, her Catherine Parr is filled with grace and femininity with divine vocals to match. Supporting the queens are swings Gabriella Boumford, Thalia Smith with returning swing and Dance Captain Chiara Assetta.

Although the book certainly has some flaws and the concept might not appeal to everyone, creators Marlow and Moss definitely achieve their goal to present a punchy, pop-concert style musical, filled with fun and laughter, whilst highlighting what can be learned through the power of women exclusively sharing and telling their stories together. Uplifting and not to be missed, it’s not hard to see why SIX is celebrated around the world.

SIX the Musical CAST & CREATIVES

Book, lyrics and music by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss

Produced in Australia by Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Linda Bewick

Directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage

Choreography: Carrie-Anne Ingrouille

Set Design: Emma Bailey

Costume Design: Gabriella Slade

Lighting Design: Tim Deiling

Sound Design: Paul Gatehouse

Orchestrator: Tom Curran

Musical Supervisor: Joe Beighton

Australian Associate Director: Sharon Millerchip