Hold onto your tiaras, Melbourne, because SIX The Musical has just landed and it’s slaying!
The opening night at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre was nothing short of a royal affair, with a ‘purple’ carpet rolled out for the city’s glitterati and champagne flowing like it was the elixir of life.
SIX is a rollicking celebration of femme empowerment, taking the tragic tales of Henry VIII’s six wives and flipping them into a high-octane, girl-power anthem. With choreography so fierce it might just compel you to jump out of your seat, and costumes that scream “I’m here to rule,” this musical is a heart-thumping spectacle you shouldn’t miss.
Starring returning cast members Loren Hunter and Chelsea Dawson, alongside new stars Kimberley Hodgson, Deirdre Khoo, Zelia Rose Kitoko and Giorgia Kennedy as Henry’s ex-wives, each queen brings her own brand of sass and sparkle to the stage.
Created by Cambridge University’s very own Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, SIX first strutted its stuff at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017 before taking London’s West End by storm and snagging five Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical. With audiences around the world falling in love with this swift 80-minute and interval-free spectacle, not many other musicals have gathered such critical-acclaim so quickly.
The show impresses in the dynamic score, intricate lighting design and vocal quality. Accompanied by a killer all-female band known as ‘The Ladies In Waiting’, the show is a bold yet light-hearted reminder of the power of women to tell their own stories, each wife competing with one another of ‘who had the worst demise’ with their marriages to Henry VIII.
Catherine of Aragon, portrayed by Kimberley Hodgson, kicks things off with a powerhouse performance that mixes heartbreak with swagger.
Next up is Anne Boleyn, played by Deirdre Khoo, who’s as quirky as she is witty. Khoo, with her enviable comedic timing, brings Anne’s tragic end to life with a cheeky grin and a sharp tongue.
Jane Seymour, in the hands of Loren Hunter, is the epitome of poise and loyalty. Hunter’s performance is a sombre and soft contrast to the rest of the show’s exuberance, although her vocals on this occasion grow weary.
Fourth in line is Anna of Cleves, brought to life by Zelia Rose Kitoko. Known for her burlesque prowess, Kitoko struts in thigh-high boots and brings a campy, empowering energy to her role.
Katherine Howard, portrayed by Green Room Award winner Chelsea Dawson, adds a dose of vivacity and sass. Dawson’s delivers a strong performance, showcasing her experience in the role from the previous iteration.
Finally, Catherine Parr takes centre stage with Giorgia Kennedy in the role. Kennedy, whose vocals are simply divine, delivers a performance that harnesses maturity and grace, proving she’s the ultimate survivor.
The queens are decked out in corset-inspired kits with eye-popping accessories to boot (glitter-studded boots, that is) all designed by Tony Award-winner Gabriella Slade. The costumes are as vibrant and diverse as the queens themselves, with chokers hinting at the fates of the two beheaded wives.
The set design, courtesy of Emma Bailey, combines simplicity with grandiosity—a curved rostrum and metal silhouette frames create a Tudor court vibe with a modern twist. The embedded LEDs and lighting design bring the musical to life, adding a techno-pop flair that complements the show’s energy.
With choreography that’s both athletic and spectacular, the show proves that backup dancers are unnecessary when the main act is this dynamic. With a stylistic nod to Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ariana Grande and Adele, the six wives draw inspiration from iconic idols to bring modern flavour into the ‘histo-ry-mix’.
It’s certainly not a deep-dive wave into feminism. In-fact, the societal struggle and personal grief are hardly unearthed. This is particularly prominent in Catherine of Aragon’s story, who in real life was plagued by her inability produce a male heir, experiencing multiple stillbirths, miscarriage and the death of her only-born son at seven weeks. However, the point is not to overthrow history with her-story in firmly-rooted feministic tones (even though that is the plot), but in essence, it’s about revealing an inner-queen and having a ol’ faithful boogie.
If you’re in the mood for a performance that’s heart-pounding, sensational, and dripping with sass, SIX The Musical is your ticket to an unforgettable night.
TICKETS:
Book your tickets HERE.
CAST LIST:
Kimberley Hodgson – Catherine of Aragon
Deirdre Khoo – Anne Boleyn
Loren Hunter – Jane Seymour
Zelia Rose Kitoko – Anna of Cleves
Chelsea Dawson – Katherine Howard
Giorgia Kennedy – Catherine Parr