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Published on July 17th, 2024 | by Andrew Bistak

SIX THE MUSICAL OPENS AT MELBOURNE’S COMEDY THEATRE IN JUST 2 WEEKS!

SIX the Musical, the global phenomenon which has taken the world by storm will open in Melbourne in just over 2 weeks! Rehearsals for the smash-hit musical are underway with the entire company preparing to captivate audiences with the shows innovative and empowering take on history, redefining the boundaries of musical theatre and engaging audiences of all ages.

The Tony Award-winning electrifying musical previously enjoyed record-breaking seasons across the country and following huge demand and anticipation SIX reigns again at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 2nd August 2024, with further seasons at the Theatre Royal Sydney from 25th October 2024 and at QPAC’s Playhouse in Brisbane from 2nd January 2025.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT SIXTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU

SIX tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII who step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this modern pop-inspired musical brings these historical figures to life, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right. Audiences are taken on a journey through the lives of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, each telling their own story and reclaiming their own narrative.

Taking on the role of Henry VIII’s first wife, the sassy Catherine of Aragon, is  Kimberley Hodgson fresh from playing the iconic role of Anita in Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s production of West Side Story. Joining the cast as the rule breaking second wife Anne Boleyn is WAAPA graduate Deirdre Khoo who has just completed the acclaimed 50th Anniversary Australian Tour of The Rocky Horror Show playing Janet Weiss. Loren Hunter returns to the role of the loyal third wife Jane Seymour having blown audiences away across Australia in previous tours. The independent Anna of Cleves will be played by Zelia Rose Kitoko who made her musical theatre debut in the Australian production of Hamilton in 2020. The role of the playful fifth wife, Katherine Howard is once again played by Chelsea Dawson having made an incredible impact in the role on the most recent Australian tour. Giorgia Kennedy joins the cast in the role of the empowering Catherine Parr directly from understudying the lead role of Juliet in the Australian production of & Juliet.

Joining the SIX Australian Queens are the extremely talented swings made up of Gabriella Boumford, Thalia Smith, and returning Dance Captain/Swing Chiara Assetta and Resident Choreographer/ Assistant to the Director/ Alternate Swing Cristina D’Agostino. Also supported by the SIX on stage band including Music Director / Keys Claire Healy, Assistant Music Director / Keys Heidi Maguire, Kathryn Stammers on Drums, Danielle Colligan on Guitar and Ann Metry on Bass. This new and exciting company comes together under the helm of Australian Associate Director Sharon Millerchip leading the team once again.

Since its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, SIX has received widespread critical acclaim, leaving audiences enthralled by its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and empowering message. It swiftly moved to the West End, taking London by storm, and has continued to garner international recognition with productions in Australia, Canada, the United States, Europe and South Korea. New productions have also been announced in Singapore, the Philippines and Japan.

Each year SIX is seen by over 3.5 million people worldwide and currently has over 1.5 million followers on social media across the world. The show has received over 32 million views on TikTok alone. The original Studio Cast Recording has been certified gold and this album, in addition to SIX: Live on Opening Night Broadway, have a combined streaming figure of over 1 billion. SIX has won 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, and a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album. Notably SIX author and Co-Director Lucy Moss is the youngest female-identifying person to direct a Broadway musical in over 40 years.

What sets SIX apart is its ability to resonate with diverse audiences and breathe new life into historical storytelling. With its cleverly crafted lyrics and contemporary sound, the musical effortlessly bridges the gap between the past and the present, appealing to both theatre enthusiasts and those new to the genre. It has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring fans to embrace their own strength and celebrate the triumphs and struggles of these remarkable women.

Moreover, SIX has made a significant impact in the digital realm, creating a vibrant online community of devoted fans, lovingly referred to as the ‘Queendom’. Its infectious songs and empowering themes have sparked viral trends on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, with fans passionately sharing their love for the show through fan art, cover performances, and heartfelt discussions.

As SIX continues its global journey, it cements its place as a groundbreaking musical that pushes boundaries and inspires audiences of all ages. Its a high-octane, fun-filled 80 minutes of mega-watt entertainment.

SIX the Musical has book, lyrics and music by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. It is directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage and choregraphed by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille. Set Design is by Emma Bailey, Costume Design is by Gabriella Slade, Lighting Design is by Tim Deiling and Sound Design is by Paul Gatehouse. The Orchestrator is Tom Curran and Musical Supervisor is Joe Beighton.

Originally Produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes, and George Stiles.

Produced in Australia by Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Linda Bewick.

SIX THE MUSICAL GLOBAL ACCOLADES

✭✭✭✭✭ ‘The new show you cannot, must not miss.’

THE AGE

✭✭✭✭✭ ‘Believe the hype.’

ATTITUDE MAGAZINE

✭✭✭✭✭ ‘The most uplifting piece of new British musical theatre I have ever had the privilege to watch.’

THE LONDON EVENING STANDARD

✭✭✭✭✭ ‘I’d give this ridiculously fun musical Six stars if I could’

SUNDAY MIRROR, LONDON

✭✭✭✭½ ‘Relevant, refreshing, rocking, and riveting’

BROADWAY WORLD

✭✭✭✭½ ‘Shiny, loud, subversive: Six is the must-see show of the summer’

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

‘PURE ENTERTAINMENT! Blows out the amps with its pop-historical hysteria.’

NEW YORK TIMES

‘A joyous celebration of sisterhood’

THE GUARDIAN AUSTRALIA

SIX Australian Cast 2024 – Kimberley Hodgson, Deirdre Khoo, Loren Hunter, Zelia Rose Kitoko, Chelsea Dawson, Giorgia Kennedy –

Photo Credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

MELBOURNE – COMEDY THEATRE – from 2 August 2024

SYDNEY –THEATRE ROYAL SYDNEY – from 25 October 2024

BRISBANE – PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, QPAC – from 2 January 2025

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

WWW.SIXTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU

@sixthemusicalau #sixthemusicalau

 


About the Author

When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.


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