Taking the theatre world by storm and following sold-out shows in London’s West End and on Broadway, SIX by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss will be turning heads in Singapore till 1 December 2024.
The show has also received well-deserved recognition in the industry, winning 35 major international awards, including two prestigious Tony Awards and a Grammy nomination.
History enthusiasts will be delighted, as were we. Although rooted in distant history, the musical was anything but heavy and dull.
Royal Drama Reimagined as Pop Sing-off
Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived. These iconic lines summarise the unchangeable fates of Henry VIII’s six wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. But in SIX the Musical, these queens reclaim their narratives in an electrifying pop sing-off that is as powerful as it is entertaining. Each queen radiates a distinct persona, and her singing is paired with a unique musical style that reflects her story. Who was Henry’s true favourite? Whose life was the most tragic? These questions set the stage for the audience to delve into their tales. Whether you are a history buff or are just meeting these figures for the first time, this production offers both a clever nod to the past and a refreshingly modern reimagining of these historical icons.
Dazzling & Highly Interactive Performance
To our surprise, SIX the Musical featured no supporting characters. While this was an unusual setup, it posed no issue, thanks to the queens’ commanding stage presence and the vibrant, dazzling effects. The dialogue, delivered in modern English, cleverly infused contemporary humour and references, making their stories not only relatable but also relevant. For example, could political marriages in history be compared to modern-day Tinder? By the show’s end, we found ourselves thinking—why not?
The musical sometimes felt more like a pop concert than a traditional theatre production. Audience participation was encouraged, with cheering moments and light sticks handed out to wave along with the performers. It was an interactive and high-energy experience, leaving us with a sense of having witnessed something both inventive and thoroughly entertaining.
Empowering Messages for All
Every great palace drama carries a deeper message, and SIX the Musical is no exception. While it begins with lighthearted squabbles over “who was the king’s true love” or “who suffered the most,” it concludes on a thought-provoking and empathetic note. What might these women have achieved if they had the freedom to shape their destinies? Perhaps they would have been queens in their own right—not defined by a king, but by their own choices.
In this light, SIX stands out as a truly unique production. It not only entertains but also inspires audiences to embrace their inner strength while honoring the resilience and triumphs of these remarkable women from history.
This show is approximately 80 minutes long with no intermission. Note that the recommended age for viewing this show is 10 and above, and there will be no admission for children aged below 4. All children below 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Showtimes and ticketing information for SIX the Musical can be found here.
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