Six - The Musical

Sorry not sorry.

The musical Six is bright, colorful and high energy.

The wives sing you through their lives as to why they got a bad deal being married to Henry. It doesn’t really include all aspects of their story, but for an 80 minute musical you can’t get everything.

Each woman is represented by a different colour and musical style. Modernised representation of their clothes and personalities and great boots.

Most of the songs are bright and upbeat with a couple of very slow songs.

It is an attempt on a feminist approach to the wives addressing the idea why do we even remember them in his-tory. Is it just because they all married the same man or because each woman was unique and played their own part in his-tory or her-story.

A little on each of the wives

Catherine of Aragon

Catherine of Aragon was Henry VIII’s first wife and the daughter of the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. She was originally married to Henry’s older brother, Arthur, but after his death, she wed Henry. Their marriage lasted over 20 years and produced one surviving child, Mary. Henry sought a male heir, and when Catherine could not provide one, he petitioned for an annulment. The Pope’s refusal led to the English Reformation and the creation of the Church of England. Catherine was eventually cast aside and lived her final years in isolation.

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn, Henry’s second wife, played a central role in England’s break from the Catholic Church. Intelligent and ambitious, she captivated Henry and refused to be his mistress, demanding marriage instead. They wed in 1533, and Anne gave birth to Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth I). However, she failed to produce a male heir, and Henry’s affections shifted. Accused of adultery, incest, and treason—charges widely considered to be fabricated—Anne was executed in 1536.

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour, Henry’s third wife, is often described as demure and obedient, contrasting with Anne Boleyn’s fiery personality. She married Henry just days after Anne’s execution. Jane finally gave Henry his long-desired male heir, Edward VI, but tragically died of postnatal complications shortly after Edward’s birth in 1537. She was the only one of Henry’s wives to receive a queen’s funeral and was buried beside him, as she was considered his “true” wife.

Anne of Cleves

Anne of Cleves, Henry’s fourth wife, was a German princess chosen for political alliance. Henry agreed to the marriage based on a flattering portrait, but upon meeting her in person, he claimed she was unattractive and unappealing. Their marriage was never consummated and was annulled after just six months. Anne accepted the annulment gracefully and was given a generous settlement. She remained in England and was treated with respect, often referred to as the King’s “beloved sister.”

Catherine Howard

Catherine Howard was Henry’s fifth wife and a cousin of Anne Boleyn. She was a teenager when she married the aging king, who was nearly 50 and in poor health. Vivacious and flirtatious, Catherine was accused of committing adultery while queen, a crime considered treasonous. Evidence of her past and ongoing affairs led to her arrest and execution in 1542. Her downfall shocked the court and deeply embarrassed the king.

Catherine Parr

Catherine Parr, Henry’s sixth and final wife, was a twice-widowed noblewoman with a keen intellect and strong Protestant beliefs. She acted as a nurse and companion to the increasingly frail Henry and also helped reconcile him with his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. Catherine survived the marriage, outliving Henry after his death in 1547. She later married Thomas Seymour but died shortly after giving birth to their daughter.

It was a hugely fun show full of laughs and high spirits. Definitely see it if you have a chance.