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"Divorced, beheaded, died... divorced, beheaded, survived."
It’s a history lesson like no other — and now, the smash hit Six the Musical is finally making its way to Aotearoa after years of global success.
The globally celebrated musical has won 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards and a Grammy nomination.
Reimagining the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives, the production transforms them into pop queens who reclaim their stories through powerful anthems, dazzling performances, and infectious energy in a high-octane 80-minute stage show.
"They've kind of come back from the past through the vortex to reclaim their stories," said Sharon Millerchip, the show’s associate director. "They may or may not be holding a grudge at Henry VIII because they didn’t all live the most easy-going lives."
Six the Musical associate director Sharon Millerchip. (Source: 1News)
Since its London debut, Six has become a worldwide sensation, wowing audiences on the West End, Broadway and, most recently, Australia.
The show’s New Zealand-bound cast features six powerhouse performers who channel modern pop royalty to bring their characters to life.
Georgia Kennedy (Catherine Parr) draws inspiration from Alicia Keys; Kimberley Hodgson (Catherine of Aragon) channels Beyoncé; Loren Hunter (Jane Seymour) embodies Adele; Chelsea Dawson (Katherine Howard) mixes a bit of Britney Spears and Beyoncé; Deirdre Khoo (Anne Boleyn) taps into Avril Lavigne; and Chiara Assetta (swing) performs all six roles with her own flair.
Each wife takes the spotlight, telling her story — or rather, "herstory" — through pop-inspired "bops" that are as empowering as they are entertaining.
And the costumes are just as glitzy as you’d expect.
"The best part about these costumes is that they truly are our super suits," Dawson said. "They are all individual and unique to every character, plus our swings get their own design."
Six the Musical's Chelsea Dawson shows off the cast's bedazzled costumes. (Source: 1News)
For Assetta, who also serves as dance captain, keeping the choreography sharp is crucial.
"There’s so much detail and intricacy in all the movement," she explained. "When you’re watching from afar, you can really notice the minor details because our performers on stage are so slick and know exactly what they’re doing."
Six the Musical cast, from left: Deirdre Khoo, Chiara Assetta, and Chelsea Dawson. (Source: 1News)
For Khoo, who has family in New Zealand, bringing Six to Aotearoa is particularly meaningful. The show was originally scheduled to debut in New Zealand before being cancelled due to Covid-19.
"My family is very excited to catch it," she said. "They’ve already been to one in Sydney, and they’re like, ‘we can’t wait, we’re coming!'"
The excitement extends to the production’s devoted fanbase.
"We have an incredible community that supports us and the show — the 'Queendom' — and I’m sure we’re going to be seeing them very soon in Auckland," Hodgson added.
Six the Musical cast, from left: Kimberley Hodgson (Catherine of Aragon), Georgia Kennedy (Catherine Parr), Loren Hunter (Jane Seymour), Chelsea Dawson (Katherine Howard), Deirdre Khoo (Anne Boleyn), and Chiara Assetta (dance captain/swing). (Source: 1News)
Six the Musical is more than just a show; it’s a history lesson energised by pop music, rewriting 500 years of history.
With a global audience of 3.5 million people per year, over 600 million soundtrack streams, and an astonishing 3 billion TikTok views, the production has cemented itself as a cultural phenomenon.
"Everybody leaves with a spring in their step," Millerchip said. "And gosh, don’t we all need a bit more of that."
Six the Musical kicks off at Auckland’s Civic Theatre from February 27.
