A modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII, presented in the form of a singing competition.
History meets pop music in SIX the Musical, a fast-paced, high-energy stage show that reinvents the stories of Henry VIII’s six wives as a modern-day concert. With its dazzling costumes, catchy tunes, and fierce performances, SIX delivers an exhilarating night of entertainment, though its depth as a historical or feminist work may leave some audiences wanting more.
Credit: James D Morgan - Getty Images
The show’s concept is simple yet effective: the six queens—Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr—each take centre stage to tell their side of the story. Framed as a musical competition, they argue over who suffered the most in their marriage to Henry, using pop anthems and power ballads to make their case. Ultimately, they reject this rivalry, choosing instead to reclaim their narratives and celebrate their own legacies.
What SIX does exceptionally well is entertain. The music is infectious, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, with each queen embodying a distinct musical style. Catherine of Aragon channels Beyoncé’s regal power, while Anne Boleyn delivers punk-pop rebellion in the vein of Avril Lavigne and P!NK. Jane Seymour’s heartfelt ballad brings echoes of Adele, while Anna of Cleves embraces the confident bravado of Nicki Minaj. Katherine Howard, with her pink-clad, flirty persona, mirrors the hyper-feminised image of young pop idols like Ariana Grande. Finally, Catherine Parr brings a smooth, soulful presence reminiscent of Alicia Keys.
Credit: James D Morgan - Getty Images
Visually, the production is sleek and dynamic. The costumes, a fusion of Tudor fashion and pop-star glamour, are striking, with each queen assigned a signature colour that makes them instantly recognisable. The lighting, choreography, and staging are polished and effective, despite the minimalist set design. There are no major set or costume changes, but the energy never falters. The performers are consistently engaging, and the all-female band, positioned on stage, adds to the concert-like feel of the show.
However, while SIX is undeniably fun, it is not particularly deep. The feminist message, while well-intentioned, often feels surface-level. The show revels in buzzwords like “herstory” and “queenspiration” but doesn’t fully develop its themes beyond the basic idea that these women should be seen as more than Henry’s wives. The queens, though portrayed as strong and independent, sometimes fall into caricature, engaging in playful rivalries that reduce their stories to a lighthearted battle for attention. It’s feminism in its most accessible, Instagram-friendly form—empowering but not particularly thought-provoking.
Credit: James D Morgan - Getty Images
For those expecting a traditional musical with a detailed narrative and character arcs, SIX may feel lacking. The format is closer to a pop concert than a theatrical production, with each queen performing a solo before moving on to the next. While the transitions between songs include humorous dialogue, there is little in the way of plot development. The show’s short runtime—just 80 minutes with no interval—adds to this feeling, making it an easily digestible but somewhat fleeting experience.
That said, SIX knows exactly what it is and delivers on its promise of a fun, energetic night out. It embraces its target audience—primarily young women and teens—with playful humour, modern cultural references, and a girl-power aesthetic that is hard to resist. The jokes about social media and dating apps land well, though they may not appeal to everyone. The humour occasionally borders on juvenile, with hidden swear words and cheeky double entendres, but it remains lighthearted and accessible.
Credit: James D Morgan - Getty Images
Musically, the show shines, but the choice of musical styles for each queen sometimes feels mismatched with the vocal strengths of the performers. In particular, the deeper, soulful songs for Jane Seymour and Anna of Cleves can sound strained depending on the singer’s natural range. Additionally, the use of handheld microphones, rather than the standard headsets seen in most Broadway productions, sometimes makes the lyrics difficult to hear amidst the choreography.
SIX the Musical is a sparkling, high-energy production that delivers a visually and musically captivating experience. While it may not offer profound historical insights or a deeply nuanced feminist message, it succeeds as a vibrant, feel-good show packed with infectious energy, sharp lyrics, and dazzling performances. For those seeking a lighthearted, engaging night out—particularly for younger audiences—it’s well worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to rewrite history.
The 2025 Season of SIX the Musical runs from 27 Feb - 23 Mar 2025 at Auckland's Civic Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here
Warning: This production contains some adult themes including discussions of miscarriage and personal trauma of a physical and sexual nature.
Runtime: 80 minutes with no interval