This revolutionary Broadway musical is a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII, presented as a pop concert where a sextet of divas sing their hearts out for the right to be in the lead, but that’s only at first glance. The musical, which was first staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, was conceived by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss when they were still students at Cambridge University. The show quickly gained popularity and was soon performed in the West End before making its way to the Broadway stage. With its blend of historical elements and contemporary pop music, SIX has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, presenting a fresh perspective on a well-known slice of ‘herstory.’
The Empowering Story of SIX
Henry VIII, one of England's most infamous monarchs, is known for his six marriages as much as his reign. His first wife, Catherine of Aragon, was set aside for Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded not long after. Henry’s third wife, Jane Seymour, the only wife to bear him a male heir, died shortly after childbirth. She was followed by Anne of Cleves, who was quickly divorced due to lack of attraction, and the young Catherine Howard, executed for alleged infidelity. Lastly, Catherine Parr, Henry’s sixth wife, outlived the ailing king.
SIX takes these well-known figures and extracts them from the patriarchal narrative they’ve been confined to for centuries. The musical gives each queen the opportunity to share her story in her own words and with her own unique and powerful voice. They sing not of Henry but of their own experiences, frustrations, and triumphs.
Catherine of Aragon, for instance, is no longer just the 'discarded wife.' She is a resilient woman, refusing to be erased. Anne Boleyn is not merely the 'seductress' who was beheaded but a playful and lively character who asserts her worth beyond her looks. Jane Seymour, often seen as the 'favored queen,' reveals the pain behind the royal façade. Anne of Cleves, far from the 'ugly wife,' is a self-assured woman who celebrates her independence. Catherine Howard, typically the 'victimized child bride,' voices the trauma of her sexual exploitation. At the same time, Catherine Parr, the 'surviving widow,' is a passionate intellectual who had to sacrifice her own desires for the sake of survival.
SIX empowers these women to confront their historical representation, allowing them to reclaim their narratives from the male-centric version of history. This is not the story of Henry VIII and his wives but the stories of six individual women who have much more to say. Empowerment comes from the ability to speak their truth, to express what bothers them, and to assert their worth as individuals, not just queens.
How SIX Shines Light on What’s Often Overlooked in History
SIX makes no pretense of historical accuracy, yet it brilliantly highlights a fundamental truth about how history is often narrated: namely, that women's stories are frequently downplayed, overlooked, or entirely erased. Each queen in the musical, though a well-known historical figure, has been reduced over the centuries to a single defining characteristic: their relationship to their husband, Henry VIII. The musical, through its colorful performances and addictive beats, brings attention to this glaring bias.
The show is a powerful reminder of the individual contributions these women brought to the table during their time as queens. Catherine of Aragon, for instance, was a queen-regent who ruled England while Henry was in France. Anne Boleyn was a crucial figure in the English Reformation. Jane Seymour's quiet demeanor masked her role as a peacemaker during a turbulent period in English history. Anne of Cleves skillfully navigated her way to a comfortable life post-divorce. Catherine Howard is a cautionary tale of a young woman trapped in a toxic environment. Catherine Parr was an accomplished author and a passionate advocate for women's education.
By refocusing the narrative on these overlooked aspects of their lives, SIX provides a fresh perspective not only on these women but on all women in history. It challenges the audience to question the historical narratives we accept and to seek out the stories that have been sidelined or silenced. The show underscores the importance of women's voices in this world and the richness they bring to our understanding of the past, present, and future.
The Musical Elements of SIX
In a bold departure from traditional musical theatre, SIX embraces a unique pop-concert style that injects a dose of relevancy into the 16th-century story. The stage is set like a concert, with the queens doubling as pop stars, with an all-female backing band, each evoking a contemporary female music icon. The dynamic choreography, the glittering costumes, and the electrifying live music all contribute to creating a high-energy, live-performance atmosphere that keeps audiences engaged from beginning to end.
The music and lyrics of SIX are not just catchy tunes; they are integral to the character development and storytelling of the musical. Each queen has her own song, reflecting her personality, experiences, and the individual strength she possesses. Catherine of Aragon's defiant anthem, Anne Boleyn's playful pop number, Jane Seymour's heartfelt ballad, Anne of Cleves' confident hip-hop track, Catherine Howard's poignant pop ballad, and Catherine Parr's empowering hymn all serve to highlight and assert the agency of these women.
SIX's innovative use of modern music is also deeply symbolic. Each queen is modeled after a contemporary pop diva, infusing the show with a modern edge and making the 16th century a little less gloomy and a bit more fun.
For instance, the vivacious Anne Boleyn, portrayed by Leandra Ellis-Gaston, channels the pop-punk essence of Avril Lavigne and Lily Allen, embodying their rebellious spirit and undying resilience. Her character is a demonstration of the misunderstood women, much like the pop stars who have faced public scrutiny for their bold and unapologetic expressions of self.
On the other hand, the character of Catherine of Aragon, played by Hailee Kaleem Wright, is an embodiment of the fierce Rihana and independent, self-reliant Beyoncé.
From the soulful power of Adele to the zesty charisma of Lizzo, these ‘queenspirations’ not only infuse fresh dynamics into the storyline but also create a bridge between the past and present, historical and contemporary, stage and chart-topping music.
The Impact of SIX on the Theatre Industry
The show's success has proven that risks can pay off, encouraging other playwrights and directors to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. In its wake, we are seeing an increasing number of productions that blend different genres, time periods, and themes, resulting in a more diverse Broadway scene.
Additionally, focusing on the stories of six women who have historically been overshadowed by a powerful man, SIX challenges the male-dominant narratives that have long been prevalent in theatre. It has paved the way for other productions to bring overlooked and marginalized stories to the forefront, contributing to a more inclusive and representative theatrical space.
Audiences, too, have felt the impact of SIX. The show's popularity speaks volumes about its resonance with modern viewers. It has not only entertained but also educated and empowered, prompting audiences to reconsider the way they perceive women’s stories in history and media. Why You Should See SIX in 2023
As the 2023-2024 season goes on, SIX continues to draw in audiences. The musical's unique blend of elements that are seemingly very far from each other in concept is something every theatre lover should experience firsthand.
So, whether you’re into history-adjacent stuff, a pop music fan, or someone just looking for a good time on Broadway, SIX is a must-see.