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| SIX the Musical |
Attending the opening night of SIX the Musical at Theatre Royal Sydney was an opportunity to experience one of the world's most talked-about contemporary musicals. With a glamorous Purple Carpet celebration, spectacular costumes, vibrant lighting, an outstanding female cast and a live female band, SIX transformed the stories of six Tudor queens into an energetic celebration of music, humour and female identity.
From the pre-show excitement to the final musical numbers, the production offered a memorable evening of entertainment in the heart of Sydney.
The Purple Carpet Sets the Scene for Opening Night
The celebrations began inside the foyer of the Theatre Royal Sydney, where the Purple Carpet welcomed invited guests for the musical's official opening night. The purple theme was a fitting introduction to a production that combines royal history with the glamour of a modern pop concert.
There was a sense of anticipation as guests arrived to celebrate the Australian cast and the show's return to Sydney. The Purple Carpet added a special occasion atmosphere, making the evening more than simply another visit to the theatre.
For a theatre enthusiast, attending an opening night provides a different perspective on a production. It brings together the performance itself, the excitement surrounding the cast and the wider theatrical community celebrating a major event.
The Two Creative Minds Behind SIX
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| SIX the Musical |
SIX was written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, who developed the musical while studying at the University of Cambridge. Their inventive idea was to give the six wives of Henry VIII the opportunity to tell their own stories rather than remain footnotes in the history of their famous husband.
The musical first premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, performed by the Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society. Its fresh concept and contemporary musical style quickly attracted attention, leading to professional London performances later that year and a growing international following.
Marlow and Moss reimagined the queens as modern pop stars who compete to decide who had the most difficult experience as Henry's wife. The premise provides plenty of comedy, but it also asks audiences to consider how women's lives have been interpreted, remembered and sometimes reduced to the actions of powerful men.
The writers' achievement lies in making a story rooted in sixteenth-century England feel relevant to audiences today. Their work has earned major recognition, including two Tony Awards in 2022 for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.
Six Tudor Queens Become Modern Pop Icons
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| SIX the Musical |
The plot introduces Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr, who each take the microphone to tell their stories through powerful, contemporary pop performances. Their musical styles draw inspiration from internationally renowned artists such as Beyoncé, Shakira, Lily Allen, Avril Lavigne, Adele, Sia, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys and Emeli Sandé, giving each queen a distinctive sound, personality and modern pop-star identity.
The familiar summary of Henry VIII's marriages, often remembered as divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived, becomes the starting point for a much more personal story.
The queens initially compete against one another, using their songs to explain their lives and their relationships with Henry. As the musical develops, however, they begin to question whether their worth should be measured by their suffering or their connection to the king.
This shift gives SIX a satisfying message about solidarity, independence and taking control of one's own story.
Six Outstanding Performers Bring the Queens to Life
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| SIX the Musical |
The Sydney cast featured Sarah Murr as Catherine of Aragon, Mia Paris Scalise as Anne Boleyn, Cara Bessey as Jane Seymour, Kadesa Honeyhill as Anna of Cleves, Angela Brischetto as Katherine Howard and Lorinda May Merrypor as Catherine Parr.
The six performers brought their characters to life through expressive acting, powerful vocals, confident movement and well-timed humour. Each queen had a recognisable personality, ensuring that the characters remained distinct even during the fast-paced ensemble sequences.
Catherine of Aragon's determination and authority contrasted with Anne Boleyn's rebellious wit. Jane Seymour introduced emotional warmth, while Anna of Cleves projected confidence and self-assurance. Katherine Howard's story carried a more vulnerable dimension, and Catherine Parr brought intelligence, reflection and independence to the stage.
What made the ensemble particularly effective was the way the performers balanced their individual moments with the collective energy of the show. Their expressive performances made the historical characters feel immediate and human, rather than distant figures from a textbook.
A Stage Filled with Colour, Lighting and Spectacular Costumes
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| SIX the Musical |
SIX does not rely on elaborate historical scenery to tell its story. Its concert-inspired stage design keeps the queens at the centre of attention, supported by carefully coordinated lighting, a compact performance space and an energetic visual presentation.
The lighting is central to the production's impact. Bold colours, sharply focused spotlights and concert-style effects help distinguish the musical numbers and create dramatic changes in mood. The use of flashing lights and theatrical haze adds to the live-concert atmosphere.
The costumes are another highlight of SIX the Musical. Rather than reproducing traditional Tudor gowns, the queens wear contemporary pop-star outfits with historical references, distinctive silhouettes, metallic details and eye-catching finishes. Each costume reflects its wearer's personality and helps the audience identify the individual queen.
The original costume designer is Gabriella Slade, whose innovative designs helped shape the musical's distinctive visual identity. For the Australian production, associate costume designer Nigel Shaw brings these designs to life, adapting and realising the costumes for the touring cast. The striking outfits combine royal references with the glamour and individuality of modern pop performers.
The wigs and hairstyles complete these transformations. Kylie Clarke is the Australian production's associate wig, hair and makeup designer, helping create the theatrical looks that reinforce each queen's modern pop-star identity. The carefully styled wigs contribute to the individuality of the characters while maintaining the visual unity of the ensemble.
Together, the costumes, wigs, lighting and choreography turn the stage into a colourful royal concert, giving each queen a distinctive look and helping make SIX such a visually memorable theatrical experience.
The Female Band Powers the Performance
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| SIX the Musical |
The all-female band, known as the Ladies in Waiting, is an essential part of SIX, providing the driving rhythms and contemporary pop sound that give the queens' stories their energy. At Theatre Royal Sydney, the 2026 production's band featured Claire Healy as Musical Director and keyboardist, Kathryn Stammers on drums, Danielle Colligan on guitar and Matilda Yang on bass.
Their musicianship adds tremendous energy to the performance, supporting the cast through powerful vocals, energetic choreography and contrasting musical styles. The live accompaniment helps transform the theatre into a pop concert, with the musicians playing an integral role rather than simply providing background music.
Their presence is particularly fitting for a musical celebrating women claiming the spotlight. Together, the six queens and the Ladies in Waiting create an exciting theatrical experience in which female performers and musicians take centre stage.
Songs That Have Travelled Around the World
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| SIX the Musical |
The musical includes memorable numbers such as Ex-Wives, No Way, Don't Lose Ur Head, Heart of Stone, Haus of Holbein, Get Down, All You Wanna Do, I Don't Need Your Love and Six.
Each song gives one or more queens a musical voice, moving between humour, confidence, heartbreak and self-discovery. The varied pop influences help make the historical subject accessible to a broad audience.
SIX the Musical has travelled from its beginnings at the Edinburgh Fringe to London's West End, Broadway and productions across numerous countries, including Australia. Its success demonstrates the international appeal of a creative idea that combines familiar history with contemporary music and storytelling.
The music has also reached audiences through recordings. The original studio cast recording was released in 2018, allowing listeners to enjoy the songs beyond the theatre. SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT, the original Broadway cast recording, followed in 2022 and captured the energy of the Broadway production.
These recordings have helped build the show's following among musical theatre fans around the world.
Why SIX Is a Must-See Sydney Musical
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| SIX the Musical |
My opening-night visit to Theatre Royal Sydney was an opportunity to enjoy a production that combines historical storytelling with contemporary theatrical flair. The Purple Carpet created a memorable introduction, while the six performers, female band, colourful lighting, distinctive costumes and carefully styled wigs contributed to a polished and energetic performance.
SIX succeeds because it is entertaining without being superficial. Beneath the humour, catchy songs and pop-concert presentation lies a thoughtful message about identity, independence and the importance of allowing women to tell their own stories.
For visitors planning a Sydney theatre night, or locals looking for a musical with a fresh approach to history, SIX the Musical offers a lively and memorable experience. These six queens may have lived centuries ago, but on the Theatre Royal stage, they take centre stage on their own terms.
The final performance of SIX the Musical at Theatre Royal Sydney is scheduled for Sunday, 20 December 2026. Tickets and performance details are available on the official Theatre Royal Sydney website. The production then moves to Brisbane, with performances at the Playhouse Theatre, QPAC, from 2 January to 14 February 2027.
Theatre Royal Sydney – SIX the Musical
Website:
https://theatreroyalsydney.com/shows/six-the-musical-2026/Email:
info@theatreroyalsydney.comPhone: 1300 163 808
Address: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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