Premier of the Australasian 2024/2025 Season
SIX The Musical By Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss
The premiere of “SIX” tells the stories of the six wives of King Henry VIII in a unique and engaging manner. This production is distinctive for its minimalist staging, dynamic choreography, costumes that blend the regal elegance of theTudor-period with innovative futuristic elements. It is bold, entertaining and vibrant, while also offering an effective blend of song and amusing dialogue that presents the wives’ tales with energy and humour.
The women are portrayed as strong, proud divas, and their stories, though familiar to some, offer a fresh reminder of their trials and tribulations. From the start, the audience is transported into another dimension with the impressive score, quality singing, and powerful lighting effects that enhance the edginess of the show. The catchy rhyme “Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived.” reverberates throughout the performance.
The strength of the show lies in the exceptional portrayal of the wives: Kimberley Hodgson (Catherine of Aragon) sets the tone with her powerful rendition of “No Way,” showcasing humor and emotion. Deidre Khoo (Anne Boleyn) delivers a spirited performance, highlighting the tragic fate of her character. Loen Hunter (Jane Seymour) performs the poignant solo “Heart of Stone,” expressing her love for Henry and sorrow for her lost child. Zelia Rose Kitoko (Anna of Cleves) brings a lively energy with “Get Down,” transforming the mood from somber to upbeat. Chelsea Dawson(Katherine Howard) entertains with the vibrant and engaging “All You Wanna Do.” Giorgio Kennedy (Catherine Parr)stands out by challenging the other queens, with her powerful performance of “I Don’t Need Your Love” showcasing her vocal prowess.
The grand finale, featuring “SIX” and “MegaSix,” performed by all the queens, serves as a suitable climax to the show. These final moments combine the energy and talents of the entire cast, delivering a powerful and unifying performancethat showcases the strength and resilience of the queens.
This is an entertaining production for young and old. For some, it may represent a whimsical retelling of history, for others it may capture the power, energy and resilience of these women, and for others it may be an entertaining night out. No matter how the show is interpreted, one thing is certain – no one will leave the theatre disappointed.
