Step into the royal extravaganza as SIX the Musical arrives in Melbourne, igniting electrifying emotions with its daring and empowering reimagining of history.
In the world of SIX the Musical, each of King Henry VIII’s six wives breaks free from the overshadowing presence of their infamous husband. Crafted by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this contemporary, all-female, pop-infused production presents each queen as a bold and influential pop star. Instead of following a conventional musical storyline, each queen narrates her version of events, reclaiming her narrative through modern pop songs in a concert-style format.
Every time SIX the Musical graces Melbourne with its presence, I make sure to be part of the audience. Each show surpasses the last. It’s as though the queens inject a fresh burst of energy into every performance, making each one feel like the best yet.
The passion and excitement they bring to the stage continuously raise the bar higher and higher. This show is rich with clever dark humor that stems from the trauma and struggles of the six wives married to Henry VIII. The audience can’t help but get swept up in the whirlwind of this musical from the word go. Packed with non-stop action in just 80 minutes without a break, patrons are instantly drawn in, captivated, and then swiftly released back into reality.
In this production, you’re in for a royal treat with the incredible lineup of queens on stage, each vying for the title of the most hard-done-by. Kimberley Hodgson plays Catherine of Aragon, exuding power and resilience, and commanding the stage with regal strength. Deirdre Khoo breathes life into the tragic yet spirited Anne Boleyn, infusing the character with a sassy and unapologetic energy. Loren Hunter’s portrayal of Jane Seymour radiates tenderness and compassion, bringing a dash of heartfelt warmth.
Zelia Rose Kitoko shines as Anne of Cleves, delivering a powerful, bold performance that keeps you glued to your seat. Her stunning “red” costume reveal is a showstopper, adding an extra level of captivation to her already mesmerizing presence on stage. Chelsea Dawson’s rendition of Katherine Howard brings a fierce and competitive edge to the performance as she strives to outshine her fellow queens, boldly declaring her supremacy whilst singing, “I think we can all agree, I’m the best among these three.” Lastly, Giorgia Kennedy, portraying Catherine Parr, the queen who outlives Henry VIII, unites the queens with a blend of maturity and care, bringing a harmonious conclusion to this captivating tale of the six queens.
While the queens take center stage, the true magic lies in the intricate details of the show. Emma Bailey’s tech-pop Tudor court design seamlessly blends the opulence of 16th-century England with a contemporary twist. This modern interpretation of historical aesthetics creates a visually stunning and engaging backdrop for the queens to shine.
The exquisite costumes, crafted by Gabriella Slade, are masterpieces, tailored to match the unique essence of every character and their historical background. They draw inspiration from images of the 16th century and infuse a modern twist, creating a blend of historical accuracy and contemporary appeal.
Choreography plays an essential part in this musical. Drawing inspiration from the unique stories of the queens, the pulsating music, and the powerful lyrics, Carrie-Anne Ingroulle captures the essence of each queen, skillfully blending various genres like hip-hop, rock, house, dance, and technical jazz to create a captivating dance spectacle that complements the energy and passion of the queens on stage.
The talented swings include Gabriella Boumford, Thalia Smith, Dance Captain/Swing Chiara Assetta, and Resident Choreographer/Assistant to the Director/Alternate Swing Cristina D’Agostino. The lighting (Tim Deiling) and sound (Paul Gatehouse) are perfectly executed. The orchestrator is Tom Curran, and the Musical Supervisor is Joe Beighton. The show is supported by the SIX on-stage band, including Music Director/Keys Claire Healy, Assistant Music Director/Keys Heidi Maguire, Kathryn Stammers on drums, Danielle Colligan on guitar, and Ann Metry on bass. This new and exciting company comes together under the helm of Australian Associate Director Sharon Millerchip.
Originally produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes, and George Stiles. Produced in Australia by Louise Withers, Michael Coppel, and Linda Bewick.
Long live the queens of SIX and the electrifying magic they bring to the stage! This is a fun show, and I will endeavor to see it again next time SIX the Musical is on tour.
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
