SIX, at Comedy Theatre and touring

It has such an energetic heartbeat.

The performances, the showmanship, the musicality, the choreography, the set, the costuming, the sound, the lighting – this show has it all.

Think pop anthems extraordinaire. Power ballads. Hip-hop.

Photos by James D. Morgan (Getty Images)

And the audience is up throughout and why wouldn’t they be?

SIX is irreverent, slick and sassy, and puts a smile on your dial. Just perfect for the winter blues.

SIX sizzles and girl power rules.

It is a high-octane musical in every sense of those words.

The concept is pitting the wives of King Henry VIII against each other in a show of strength about who was the most hard done by.

Of course, that includes the pair that was beheaded and the duo that divorced.

The story unfolds through song and what bangers they are, with stirring and defiant lyrics and attitude to boot, interspersed with a couple of more soulful numbers.

Each of the sextet metaphorically sings her lungs out and, accordingly, has her time to shine. Truth be told, they don’t just shine. They dazzle and delight, individually and collectively.

They have excellent stage craft – deft dance moves and a mean set of pipes. They harmonise magnificently and boy, can they diss!

The crowd laps up every delicious morsel of their tales of woe and neglect.

The enthusiastic six are supported by a power packed all-girl band, known as Ladies in Waiting.

Musical director Claire Healy is on keys, Kathryn Stammers on drums, Danielle Colligan guitar and Matilda Yang bass.

The choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille is intoxicating, as SIX comes together seamlessly.

I am in awe of the integrated set, lighting and sound design (by Emma Bailey, Tim Deiling and Paul Gatehouse respectively). What a spectacle!

The piece de resistance is the vibrant superhero costuming by Gabriella Slade.

The subject may sound heavy, but its treatment is not. It is built around great music, attitude and laughs aplenty.

Each “wife” is attributed musical icons as “Queenspiration”.

Married to Henry for 24 years, Catherine of Aragon (Sarah Murr) pays a nod to Beyoncé and Shakira.

Fluent in French, Anne Boleyn (Mia Paris Scalise) channels Lily Allen and Avril Lavigne.

Jane Seymour (Cara Bessey), who claims she was the only wife Henry really loved, gives Adele and Sia a run for their money.

German-born Anna of Cleves (Kadesa Honeyhill) doffs her cap to Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.

Its Ariane Grande and Britney Spears for Katherine Howard (Angela Brischetto), who lost her head for her promiscuity.

Catherine Parr (Lorinda May Merrypor) was the only “survivor”. She draws inspiration from Alicia Keys and Emeli Sandé. 

The geniuses behind SIX are Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, who are responsible for the book, music and lyrics.

It all started with a vision that Toby had at the back of a poetry class.

That resulted in a student production in a 100-seat venue in 2017.

Little did Marlow and Moss know at the time that it was bound for glory. 

It has gone on to claim 38 major international awards, including the 2022 Tony Awards for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and Best Costume Design.

It is seen by more than 3.5 million people each year, having toured upwards of 15 countries.

SIX sparks and sparkles. It is great musical entertainment, a showcase of power and punch.

To add to the experience, the full colour program is a beauty, while the burgeoning amount of merch available to purchase before or after the show is next level. I couldn’t resist.

As I headed to the car park after SIX, I exchanged pleasantries with a family of four, which included two young daughters.

I asked them whether they had enjoyed the musical. The eldest daughter enthusiastically piped up with a big smile on her face.

She told me this was her fifth time seeing it. I asked her how old she was. Her answer: 12.

So, let’s be candid. SIX is a show that just keeps on giving. I loved it. 

Eighty minutes without interval, it is playing at the Comedy Theatre until 4th October.

It then moves to Theatre Royal Sydney from 9^th October until 20^th December, 2026.

It opens in Brisbane at QPAC’s Playhouse on 2^nd January, 2027.