There are shows you enjoy, and then there are shows that become part of you. SIX The Musical has firmly cemented itself in that latter category.
Returning to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, this was my third time seeing the global phenomenon, and remarkably, it was the most enjoyable yet. Perhaps it’s because I now know every lyric and found myself singing along throughout, or maybe it’s because this production has a rare ability to leave you walking out of the theatre feeling genuinely uplifted. Whatever the reason, SIX proves that some productions simply get better with every viewing.
Opening Night Guests Include:
From the moment the six queens burst onto the stage, the atmosphere is electric. Forget everything you think you know about traditional musical theatre. There are no elaborate scene changes or lengthy dialogue-driven acts. Instead, SIX delivers an exhilarating 80-minute pop concert that cleverly reimagines one of history’s most infamous stories through contemporary music, humour and female empowerment.
It is this bold and refreshing concept that has seen SIX become one of the biggest theatrical success stories of the past decade.
History Has Never Sounded So Good
The wives of King Henry VIII finally get to tell their own stories, each stepping forward to explain that they were far more than simply “the wife who…” Through cleverly written lyrics, infectious choreography and an original score packed with chart-worthy songs, history is transformed into an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Each queen commands the stage with confidence and charisma:
- 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
- Lorinda May Merrypor as Catherine Parr
What makes this production so successful is that there isn’t a weak performance among them. Every queen brings something completely different, ensuring the audience remains captivated from beginning to end.
Sarah Murr a standout
If I had to choose one standout performance, it would be Sarah Murr as Catherine of Aragon.
Opening the show with commanding confidence and extraordinary vocal power, Murr immediately establishes the calibre of talent on stage. Her voice is effortlessly strong, emotionally rich and technically flawless, making her performance one of the highlights of the evening.
Having previously starred in productions including Les Misérables, Hadestown and & Juliet, it’s easy to see why she is regarded as one of Australia’s leading musical theatre performers. Every note she sings is delivered with conviction and remarkable control.
Comedy Gold Meets Concert Energy
One of my favourite moments remains Anna of Cleves’ outrageous German-inspired number, which had the audience erupting with laughter. It’s playful, cheeky and brilliantly performed, showcasing the show’s ability to balance comedy with spectacular musicianship.
What continues to impress me most, however, is that SIX never really feels like a conventional musical. Instead, it plays like an arena concert, complete with concert-style lighting, a phenomenal on-stage band and pop anthems that could easily dominate the charts.
Perhaps that’s why the production resonates with such a broad audience. Whether you’re a lifelong theatre enthusiast or someone who usually avoids musicals altogether, SIX feels accessible, contemporary and incredibly entertaining.
Beyond the sensational costumes, breathtaking harmonies and infectious energy lies something far more meaningful.
Rather than allowing history to define these women solely by their marriages to Henry VIII, SIX gives each queen her own voice. Their stories become celebrations of resilience, individuality and strength, after all every woman deserves to be remembered for who she was, not simply who she married.
It is a clever, empowering message wrapped inside one of the most entertaining productions currently touring Australia.
Some productions deserve all the hype, and SIX The Musical is undoubtedly one of them.
Whether it’s your very first visit to the theatre or your hundredth, this is the kind of show that leaves you smiling long after the curtain call. It’s fresh, funny, emotionally uplifting and bursting with talent from beginning to end.
I’ve now seen it three times, and I can confidently say I’ll happily see it a fourth.
Melbourne My Style gives SIX The Musical five stars and proudly places it among our Top 10 favourite productions of all time. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For more information please visit https://sixthemusical.com.au/
By Melinda Sullivan.
