SIX QUEENS REIGN SUPREME

Last night, Brisbane was treated to a royal spectacle with the opening night of SIX the Musical, a dazzling contemporary rock opera that has redefined the way we view King Henry VIII’s reign of England.

This musical is a history lesson like no other and a night you’ll remember forever! It blends history with heart-pounding beats and sharp wit to make the 16th century utterly relevant in 2025.

From the first beat, SIX grabs you and never lets go, immersing audiences in a concert-like experience. This is not just history—it’s her-story, told through a lineup of fierce queens who reclaim their narratives with sass, strength, and sensational vocals.

Written by the ingenious duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX transforms the tumultuous lives of Henry VIII's six wives into an empowering, electrifying 80-minute extravaganza. Winner of the 2022 Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, it’s like watching the world’s best all-girl pop group but better because it has an educational element.

Kimberley Hodgson shone as the bold Catherine of Aragon, delivering powerhouse vocals and commanding the stage with regal defiance. Deidre Khoo, as the cheeky Anne Boleyn, was the comedic heartbeat of the show, delighting the audience with her razor-sharp timing. Loren Hunter brought depth and vulnerability to Jane Seymour, her haunting ballad tugging at the heartstrings. Chelsea Dawson, as the seductive Katherine Howard, mixed sass and sorrow in a standout performance that perfectly balanced charm and tragedy. Giorgia Kennedy, the show’s final queen, gave an inspiring performance as Catherine Parr, the sole survivor, whose heartfelt reflections anchored the musical’s uplifting conclusion.

In an unexpected twist, Chiara Assetta (Dance Captain/Swing) stepped into the role of Anna of Cleves and absolutely nailed it. Her effortless energy, sharp choreography, and vocal prowess were a testament to the incredible skill of swings, who must master multiple roles, choreographies, and songs. Assetta delivered a performance so polished, you’d think she’d been cast in the role from day one.

The live band, affectionately dubbed the "ladies in waiting", was an integral part of the performance. Their dynamic playing and on-stage presence added another layer of excitement, proving they are more than just musicians—they are queens in their own right.

What makes SIX even more remarkable is its bold embrace of Australian accents, a delightful juxtaposition to the historically British tale. By keeping the accents authentic, the show underscores its modern message: these queens are refusing to be fake, and so should we.

Brought to Australia by the collaborative efforts of Louise Withers, Michael Coppel, and Linda Bewick, SIX is a triumph of creativity and innovation. With its mix of humour, emotion, and electrifying music, this musical doesn’t just teach history—it rewrites it, ensuring these iconic women will never be forgotten.

If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, don’t miss your chance to see why SIX the Musical is reigning supreme around the world. This is a show fit for a queen—and you deserve the royal treatment.

SIX the Musical is showing in QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre until 9 February 2025.