SIX: The Musical

The wives of King Henry VIII are back to set the history books straight - and it’s not just heads that are toppling.

Smashing records to become the longest-ever running show at the Sydney Opera House Studio and the second-most streamed cast album in the world, the Tudor Queens turned Pop Princesses are continuing their theatrical reign with an electrifying Australian tour.  

Now reclaiming their thrones for a five-week season at Sydney’s Theatre Royal, this punchy, fast-paced 75-minute musical revue is a force to be reckoned with.

While waiting for the lavish, royal purple stage curtain to be swept aside, the audience is tantalised by a series of pop-songs played merrily on the harpsicord; a small taste of the historical fusion that is yet to be revealed.

The lights dim and white smoke cascades from behind the slowly parting curtain, as six tall, striking silhouettes take centre stage.

Kala Gare channels Avril Lavigne as Anne Boleyn.

In a dramatic flash of sound and colour, Henry’s six wives, clad in glitzy, Tudoresque costumes inspired by the likes of Britney Spears and Beyoncé, spell out their agenda: a competition to crown the queen dealt the worst hand. 

What follows is an exploration of each individual story through song, spanning the satirical, sweet and sensual, showcasing spectacular vocals punctuated by sizzling choreography and a lighting design to match.

Phoenix Jackson Mendoza begins the contest as Catherine of Aragon. Kala Gare rocks as Anne Boleyn, Loren Hunter plays the poignant Jane Seymour, Kiana Daniele channels the underground Berlin techno scene as Anna of Cleves, Chelsea Dawson the memorable Katherine Howard and representing the only wife to survive King Henry, Vidya Makan embodies a heartfelt Catherine Parr.  

Kiana Daniele as punk-inspired Anna of Cleves.

Backed by their ladies in waiting, the show’s superb band of musicians led by Claire Healy and Heidi Maguire on keys, Jessica Dunn and Ann Metry on bass, Debbie Yap on guitar and Kathryn Stammers on drums, the vocal harmonies are tight and rival any girl-group sensation. Move over Spice Girls.  

Embracing a sassy new wave of feminism, SIX skyrockets the sisterhood to the next level. Bold, brazen and beautifully boisterous – this is a history lesson you won’t forget.

Cecilia Davis

Photographer: James D Morgan