SIX: The Musical is a modern, high-energy musical that reimagines the six wives of King Henry VIII as a pop music girl group, each telling their story through individual songs. The show, created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, debuted in 2017 and quickly became a global sensation due to its catchy music, clever lyrics, and fresh take on historical figures.
The musical takes a highly modern approach, blending pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic influences in its soundtrack. Each of Henry VIII’s wives is portrayed as a unique character, with her own musical style reflecting her personality and historical experiences. Songs like “Ex-Wives,” “Don’t Lose Your Head,” and “All You Wanna Do” capture the essence of each queen in a lively and fun way.
Rather than focusing on the traditional historical narratives of the wives' marriages to Henry VIII, SIX imagines them as contemporary pop stars, performing their personal stories in the form of a concert. The queens’ voices are given equal importance, allowing each woman to tell her side of the story and express her individual experiences, from heartbreak and betrayal to survival and empowerment.
Catherine of Aragon: The first wife, known for her strength and faith.
Anne Boleyn: The second wife, portrayed as a charismatic, sharp-witted figure, famously known for her "neck" in the song "Don't Lose Your Head."
Jane Seymour: The third wife, depicted as the calm, serene one who bore Henry's only male heir.
Anne of Cleves: The fourth wife, portrayed as a modern, fun-loving character who was not really loved by Henry but is now taking control of her narrative.
Catherine Howard: The fifth wife, shown as a young, naive woman who finds herself caught up in a scandal.
Catherine Parr: The sixth wife, who outlived Henry and is portrayed as a woman of wisdom and survival.
SIX is a fun, fresh, and empowering take on history that combines catchy pop music with clever storytelling. It’s a show that has resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, thanks to its contemporary twist on a historical subject, its unforgettable music, and its strong, diverse characters.