SIX THE MUSICAL REVIEW (Melbourne 2024)
Summary: SIX the Musical aims for the skies and delivers the stars!
5
Tudor Rock!
The globally acclaimed SIX the Musical returns to Melbourne and is currently playing at the Comedy Theatre in Exhibition Street. For the uninitiated, SIX the Musical is written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss and follows the story of the tyrannical King Henry VIII’s lesser known wives. Stepping out of the shadows of this “mad” king, we see his wives become pop stars as the audience is taken on a musical rollercoaster that puts a unique twist on these historical figures.
Selfies? Dating apps? It’s all part of the show, so don’t expect the words of William Shakespeare turned to music but rather, SIX melds Tudor history (or her story) with modernity that is laced with social commentary, including themes such as misogyny and infidelity which was rife during the time of Henry VIII. The wives even give us an informative and thoroughly entertaining snapshot into their stint as Queens but what makes this performance so great is the onset chemistry among the cast.
The wives of Henry VIII are played spectacularly by Kimberley Hodgson (Catherine of Aragon), Deirdre Khoo (Anne Boleyn), Loren Hunter (Jane Seymour), Zelia Rose Kitoko (Anna of Cleves), Chelsea Dawson (Katherine Howard) and Giorgia Kennedy (Catherine Parr) who bring their real-world counterparts to life in a truly astonishing performance. Also supporting their performances are the amazing costumes and lighting that creates this true rock atmosphere of the Tudor era. As a result, it’s quite an empowering performance with its strong feminine energy.
There’s also a live female band who are equally as impressive and really blast the music throughout the Comedy Theatre, particularly the different styles that accompany the songs. And the songs? Combining history, social commentary to music works particularly well for SIX the Musical and the majority of numbers resonated well with the audience, especially Deirdre Khoo’s number Don’t Lose Ur Head which was quite infectious and very hilarious. In terms of pacing, each Queen has their own unique song with the vocal backing from the other Queens as they tell their story to the audience as we learn who was…
… with the above taken from the first song, Ex-Wives.
As to a favourite performer? That is a really tough question because all six performers were fantastic but each had a different emotion and personality that they brought to their characters which made them shine. However the cheekiness and sassiness of Deirdre Khoo cannot be beaten. Vocally, the six cannot be faulted. Additionally the choreography once again made this musical more concert than musical which suited the story very well, especially with the different styles.
Although the sets are limited, the lighting really makes up for this, especially the song performed by Zelia Rose Kitoko with an amalgamation of Daft Punk meets the German homeland of Anna of Cleves, including a hilarious swipe left, swipe right moment.
While some aspects of SIX the Musical are dark, the story merges humour to help tone down these themes and more importantly, the Queens get their Happily Ever After… well 5-minutes worth! With hoots and shouts from the audience, the opening night of SIX the Musical was a success at the Comedy Theatre with the show ending with a standing ovation.
Final Thoughts?
It’s easy to see why SIX the Musical has become a global phenomenon that has been seen by over 3.5 million people worldwide that also has a string of awards as well. With clever lyrics and phenomenal performances, SIX the Musical is definitely a must see performance!
SIX the Musical will reign again at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 2 August 2024, the Theatre Royal Sydney from 25 October 2024 and at QPAC’s Playhouse in Brisbane from 2 January 2025.
For more information, visit: www.sixthemusical.com.au for details.
SIX the Musical has book, lyrics and music by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. It is directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage and choreographed 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.
About the Author
Andrew Bistak 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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