If you had asked me what SIX is about yesterday, I would have shrugged and said, “no idea ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.” Today, I am embarrassed that I didn’t know. I had never heard of SIX, The Musical, and I certainly didn’t have a clue about the plot. So while I may have entered totally in the dark, trust me when I say I left completely lit up.
If there’s one thing I hate more than embarrassment though, it’s second-hand embarrassment, and I want better for you. So if you’re being prudent and are searching for the lowdown on SIX before you go then A) Bravo, you’re smarter than I, Queen, and B) here’s what you need to know about SIX before the curtain rises.
A Unique Theatrical Experience
First, SIX combines six of my favourite things into one epic 80-minute show: kickass music, feminism, history, laughter, friendship, and an early bedtime. That’s right, SIX kicks convention to the curb in more ways than one, with no intermission, which means your highness, you can get your beauty rest so you can get up the next day and slay, Queen, slay! And you will with this soundtrack playing on repeat in your head.
Tudor Queens Meet Modern Pop Stars
Second, SIX is about the six wives of Henry VIII. While it keeps their historical accounts in order, their personas are based on modern pop stars, giving the show an edgy feel. Each wife’s Tudor dress gets a punk-pop makeover with leather, spikes, and much shorter skirts—scandalous by historical standards. In case you need a history refresher, here are the six wives and the modern queens they’re modelled after:
- Catherine of Aragon: Beyoncé, JLo, Jennifer Hudson
- Anne Boleyn: Avril Lavigne, Miley Cyrus, Lily Allen
- Jane Seymour: Adele, Celine Dion, Sia
- Anna of Cleves: Nicki Minaj, Rihanna
- Katherine Howard: Ariana Grande, Britney Spears
- Catherine Parr: Alicia Keys, Emeli Sandé
Timeless Struggles and Modern Relevance
Third, SIX really drives home the point that women have been going through it for a long, long time. The more things change, the more they stay the same, am I right? While we may not run the risk of having our heads chopped off like poor Anne and Catherine, the rest could be pulled from this morning’s news: double standards, abuse of power, and child exploitation. I had a lump in my throat by the end of “All You Wanna Do,” sung by Queen Katherine Howard. It starts upbeat and sexy, but bit by bit, the disturbing realities of this woman’s abuse from the time she was 13 become clearer and clearer, ending with her frustration and rage. Relatable, much?
SIX Offers An Engaging and Interactive Performance
Fourth, SIX isn’t just a musical; it’s an experience. The more you participate, the better it gets. The show breaks the fourth wall, with queens frequently engaging with the audience, making you feel like you’re a member of their entourage, or for the women, ladies in waiting. I can’t get Get Down sung by Anna of Cleves out of my head today and frankly I don’t want to. I am the Queen of the Castle thank you very much, and you will be too after hearing this addictive song. Bottom line, the energy of SIX is electric, with most in the audience clapping, cheering, and singing along, so be prepared to get in to it!
Empowering Messages and Cult Following
Fifth, SIX, The Musical has a bit of a cult following. Aside from feeling like the dumb jock who suddenly gets thrown in with the theatre kids, I was pleasantly surprised to see the burgeoning sense of empowerment amongst a largely female audience. By blending historical narratives with modern pop culture, SIX highlights ongoing issues like gender inequality and the strength of women’s voices. And of course, watching the story arc move the queens from being mortal enemies vying for the top spot to becoming each other’s biggest fans was a chef’s kiss for this feminist.
The Joy of Live Theatre
Sixth, SIX is just good fun. Remember that? More nights out at the theatre, please! With AI on the rise and many of us avoiding “peopley” places, live theatre is a reminder that we’ve been gathering for entertainment since Roman times. It’s meant to be enjoyed as a community, and SIX is a wonderful reminder of that. From dazzling costumes to dynamic lighting and stage effects, every element enhances the storytelling. The minimalist set allows the queens’ performances to shine, making the show both intimate and grand.
Perhaps what I loved most about SIX is how it flipped the script for me when it comes to history. No longer is Henry VIII the main character for me, but rather the wives are because, without them, he’d be long forgotten. Women were the ones who sacrificed their bodies, their peace, and their lives to please him and advance his fortunes. Without them, he’s nothing, and I’ll never forget that again.
Spinach & Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potato with Maple Tahini Sauce
