6 days ago3 min read

Six The Musical - Theatre Royal (NSW)

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss

An unforgettable blend of history, humour, and empowerment, filled with standout vocal performances and infectious energy.

Reviewed by Tessa Miles

Theatre Royal Sydney

Until 28th December, 2024

Tickets: https://www.theatreroyalsydney.com/events/season-2024/six-the-musical/

Six the Musical at Sydney's Theatre Royal is a dazzling, high-energy reimagining of the six wives of Henry VIII, presented in a pop-concert style that leaves the audience captivated from start to finish. Although this is Sydney’s fourth iteration of Six, it’s not hard to see why it keeps coming back—the show has its audience hooked from the moment the lights go down.

The latest Australian touring cast introduces six new queens to the stage. Kimberley Hodgson steps in as the powerful Catherine of Aragon, Deirdre Khoo takes on the cheeky Anne Boleyn, and Zelia Rose Kitoko brings flair to Anna of Cleves. Loren Hunter and Chelsea Dawson return as Jane Seymour and Katherine Howard, while Giorgia Kennedy joins as Catherine Parr. The cast is further energised by super swings Chiara Assetta, returning from previous runs, Thalia Smith in her Six debut, and Gabriella Boumford, making her Australian debut after performing in the Norwegian Cruise Line production, with Cristina D’Agostino as an alternative swing. Building excitement and anticipation, these queens bring great depth and dynamism to every performance.

Kimberley Hodgson shines as Catherine of Aragon, infusing her performance with both humour and commanding stage presence. She knows how to hit her marks and has the audience laughing and cheering with her expert comedic timing. Her vocals are a standout—powerful, controlled, and utterly captivating.

Photography by James D Morgan - Getty Images

Deirdre Khoo as Anne Boleyn brings a cheeky, boundary-pushing flair to the stage. She fully embraces Boleyn’s rebellious spirit, delivering her lines with a wicked sense of humour that keeps the audience on their toes. Her vocal performance has a unique, edgy quality that feels fresh and fearless.

Zelia Rose Kitoko as Anna of Cleves masterfully blends comedy and vocal prowess, bringing fierce energy to her role. Her Cleves is bold, unapologetic, and incredibly engaging—her delivery of each line and note is sharp and impactful, capturing both the humour and resilience of her character.

Loren Hunter’s Jane Seymour adds emotional depth to the show. Her portrayal is tender and moving, delivering her ballad with an authenticity that’s heartfelt and raw. She brings an emotional resonance that has the audience feeling every word, making her Seymour one of the night’s most touching performances.

Chelsea Dawson as Catherine Howard hits all the right notes once again, bringing a new level of maturity and strength to the role. Her vocal performance is rich and nuanced, adding layers to Howard’s story with her confident, emotive delivery.

Giorgia Kennedy brings pop-star energy to Katherine Parr, delivering a performance that’s as vocally dynamic as it is captivating. Her stage presence is magnetic, and she owns every moment, bringing down the house with her pop-perfect voice and poised, powerful demeanour.

For those who may have seen Six in one of its previous Sydney runs and are looking for a reason to return, this latest production offers plenty. The new cast bring a fresh energy to the show, with stunning updated costumes that dazzle, and subtle choreography and musical updates that align this production with its counterparts on Broadway and the West End.

With such a stellar cast and performance, Six at the Theatre Royal is an unforgettable experience. It’s a brilliant blend of history, humour, and empowerment, filled with standout vocal performances and infectious energy. This production is a must-see—bold, inventive, and absolutely unforgettable.

CREATIVES

TOBY MARLOW - WRITER

LUCY MOSS - WRITER & CO DIRECTOR

JAMIE ARMITAGE - CO DIRECTOR

CARRIE-ANNE INGROUILLE - CHOREOGRAPHER

EMMA BAILEY - SET DESIGNER

GABRIELLA SLADE - COSTUME DESIGNER

TIM DEILING - LIGHTING DESIGNER

PAUL GATEHOUSE - SOUND DESIGNER

TOM CURRAN - ORCHESTRATOR

JOE BEIGHTON - MUSIC SUPERVISOR

SHARON MILLERCHIP - AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR