Admittedly, when I first saw SIX in 2022 at the Comedy Theatre, I had expected this feminist show to say more and in a longer run time. I don’t feel that way anymore.
Returning to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre for its victory lap, SIX the Musical, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, co-directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, with associate director Sharon Millerchip, produced by Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Linda Bewick, is a vivacious, thunderous and entertaining affair where six queens, all having wed the same man in their previous lifetimes, each compete to find out who amongst them suffered the most. Cleverly executed like a concert, every queen is stylised after a contemporary popstar, reflected in different music genres that showcase their individuality.
Divorced gold queen, Catherine of Aragon is heavily influenced by Beyoncé. She’s strong-willed, defiant, unwavering and Kimberley Hodgson plays the role superbly with her commanding stage presence and jaw-dropping vocals. ‘No Way’ feels like an empowering anthem that Hodson delivers with gusto. This is one tenacious titan that you do not want to mess with.
Beheaded green queen, Dierdre Khoo’s Anne Boleyn is unyielding as the popular and unashamedly controversial ex-wife. With music stylings and punk personality reminiscent of Avril Lavigne and P!NK for both their catchy tunes and spunk, Anne Boleyn is by far a crowd favourite not only for her ‘Sorry Not Sorry’ attitude and song, but for her snarky and sassy quips that Khoo delivers in spades. Khoo‘s Boleyn is a true force to be reckoned with. She may be a bit feisty but she’s hard not to love. Plus, those spacebuns? Super cute!
Monochrome queen, Jane Seymour is magnificently played by SIX veteran Loren Hunter. Hunter originated the role in 2020 in the Australian premiere production and it shows. Although equipped with tear conjuring ballad, ‘Heart of Stone’, much like the emotional powerhouses the queen is inspired by; Adele and Céline Dion, Hunter is as powerful and sincere as her fellow queens with her slower number, if not more so. Savouring every moment of her solo, Hunter’s performance as Seymour is a true pillar of strength, much like her underrated character. You really feel for her. I even got a bit teary from her performance!
Divorced red queen, Anna Of Cleves’ stylings remind many of the likes of Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Charli XCX. You really want to get down to ‘Get Down’, it’s smooth and infectious with its cool classic hip-hop sound. The modern take on how Anna of Cleves’ story went down is genius, and Zelia Rose Kitoko crushes it as a woman judged and ousted for her looks but has benefitted and moved on from it. Her fast rap and dance moves are just insane. This is a queen you’d want to party with any day of the week.
Beheaded pink queen, Katherine Howard is played by returning queen Chelsea Dawson, who has tremendously grown into the role. She’s feistier, sassier, and just as formidable as Howard appears to be, she’s equally as vulnerable. Modelled after over sexualised young popstars such as Britney Spears and Ariana Grande, ‘All You Wanna Do’ is upbeat, fun and flirtatious… until it’s not. The point Dawson’s character conveys is as relevant and prominent as ever, and Dawson executes this masterfully. The uncomfortable feeling in the room after her performance is intentional and leaves you wanting to know if this queen is okay.
Blue queen and survivor, Catherine Parr is the moral compass and glue that holds the SIX queens together. With old-school R&B stylings infused with a soulful and jazz style approach that reminds me of Mya and Alicia Keys, ‘I Don’t Need Your Love’ is another unstoppable empowering anthem that displays the resilience of the character, that of which the glowing Giorgia Kennedy wholeheartedly devours with her own undeniable finesse and charm. This is a queen you’ll always want to have D&M sessions with that you can trust your secrets with completely.
Production wise, the set, sound, choreography and lighting are flawless. I know SIX is a musical but throughout the show, I often forgot I was at a musical and truly felt like I was at a concert from the production alone. The score has been tinkered slightly with improvements, the staging and its LED lighting has been changed to enhance the experience, and if that wasn’t enough, taking a leaf out of popstars like Beyoncé herself, our queens have their own Ladies In Waiting with an all-female band consisting of music director Claire Healy on the keys, Danielle Colligan on the guitar, Anne Metry on the bass, and Kathryn Stammer on the drums.
Together, adorned in stunning new costumes by Gabriella Slade, the SIX queens sparkle, each with their own unique looks, reminding me of glam rock stars such as KISS, or even a better unit – the Power Rangers, each with their signature colour and stronger together than they are apart. Did I mention the choreography? Choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille has outdone herself. You almost forget that each queen is on stage for the entirety of the show with moves that even K-Pop groups would be envious of!
I don’t know how they’ve done it but this 2024 Australian production of SIX feels like a brand new show.
You don’t have to be a history buff to get this show. SIX is as light and fun or as deep and meaningful as you want it to be. Entertaining regardless, the powers combined of the talent in the room, both on and off stage, have fashioned the perfect theatrical concert-like show that says enough while leaving you with catchy songs and important topics of discussion long after its 80 minute run-time has concluded. The ideal night out for theatre newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
As a female theatre fan, avid concert goer and review writer, seeing SIX had me feeling supported, seen and understood. And while the real queens that these characters are based on can’t really change their stories, as much as SIX is fun, fierce and phenomenal, I only hope it also inspires many to change our own stories and take control of our narratives in real time.
SIX the Musical is currently playing in Melbourne at the Comedy Theatre until October 20, 2024 before heading to Theatre Royal in Sydney from the 25th, then to the Playhouse Theatre in Brisbane in January 2025.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://sixthemusical.com.au
Photography by James D. Morgan.
