Divorced, Beheaded, Live: Six the Musical review

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when going into Six the Musical. Although I had previously seen clips online and heard sections of the soundtrack, nothing fully prepared me for the impact of experiencing the show live. From the moment it began, the production exceeded every expectation I had. The 80-minute runtime flew by, and I found myself completely immersed from start to finish. Rather than feeling like a traditional musical, Six felt more like a high-energy pop concert, which created an exciting and modern atmosphere that immediately connected with the audience.

The show’s structure allowed each queen to step into the spotlight, giving every performer a moment to shine. Each song was distinctive in style, rhythm, and character, yet they all flowed seamlessly together. The music was consistently catchy and powerful, and the vocals were delivered with confidence and precision. At several points, I wanted to stand up and sing and dance along, which speaks to how infectious the energy of the performance was. The live band and choreography further enhanced the concert-like feel, making the experience feel vibrant and current.

One of the most impactful aspects of Six the Musical was the all-female cast and band. Seeing a fully female-led production on stage felt empowering and refreshing, particularly for the younger children in the audience. The show reframes the six wives of Henry VIII, giving them control over their own narratives and allowing them to be seen as individuals rather than historical footnotes. This feminist perspective was delivered with confidence and humour, making the themes accessible without ever feeling forced or preachy.

The humour throughout the show was cleverly written and expertly timed. There were many jokes that went over the heads of younger audience members but caused adults to laugh out loud, creating a shared yet layered viewing experience. These moments added depth to the performance and helped balance the more emotional elements of the show. Despite the historical subject matter, the script felt modern, relatable, and full of personality.

Musically, the standout numbers for me were Anne Boleyn’s Don’t Lose Ur Head and Anne of Cleves’ Haus of Holbein. Anne Boleyn’s song was playful, energetic, and full of charisma, while Haus of Holbein stood out for its bold staging and comedic impact. Both numbers perfectly captured the individuality of their respective characters and left a lasting impression. Each queen’s song felt tailored to their personality, allowing the audience to connect with them on a deeper level.

The cast were exceptional across the board. Lasasha Aldredge as Catherine of Aragon delivered a powerful and commanding performance, while Yna Montarde brought humour and charm to Anne Boleyn. Emily Dawson’s portrayal of Jane Seymour was emotionally moving and vocally stunning, providing a beautiful contrast to the higher-energy numbers. Jodie Knight’s Anne of Cleves was confident and comedic, Sammy Timbers’ Katherine Howard was energetic and expressive, and Layla Chivandire as Catherine Parr brought strength and authority to the final moments of the show. Each performer was mesmerising to watch, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. Their connection on stage radiated into the audience and elevated the entire performance.

Overall, Six the Musical is one of the most enjoyable and memorable theatre experiences I have ever had. Its combination of powerful performances, empowering themes, clever humour, and unforgettable music makes it a standout production. I left the theatre feeling energised and inspired, and I cannot wait for Six to return so I can experience it again, ideally multiple times.