Six the Musical has redefined the historical musical, transforming the tragic tales of King Henry VIII’s six wives into a vibrant, empowering pop concert. This electrifying show, a bona fide global sensation, has captivated audiences worldwide with its catchy tunes, sharp wit, and a fresh, feminist perspective on history. 

Far from a stuffy historical reenactment, Six is a high-energy celebration of resilience, sisterhood, and the power of reclaiming one’s narrative. As of 2025, the musical continues to thrive on stages across the globe, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone and a testament to the enduring appeal of clever storytelling and powerhouse performances.

What is Six the Musical?

At its core, Six the Musical is a modern-day pop concert featuring the six wives of Henry VIII – Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr – reimagined as a contemporary girl group. 

Each queen takes center stage to perform a solo song, telling her “her-story” and vying for the title of who suffered the most at the hands of their shared husband. The show cleverly blends historical facts with modern pop sensibilities, creating an engaging and often humorous narrative that educates as much as it entertains.

The musical was conceived and written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss while they were students at Cambridge University. Starting as a student production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, its phenomenal success quickly propelled it to the West End and then to Broadway, where it has garnered immense critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Six typically runs for a concise 80 minutes with no intermission, making it a high-impact, fast-paced theatrical experience.

The Rise to Global Sensation: A Step-by-Step Journey

The trajectory of Six the Musical‘s success is a fascinating case study in theatrical phenomenon:

Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2017): Six debuted as a student production, quickly becoming a breakout hit due to its innovative concept and catchy songs. Its limited run was met with overwhelming demand.

London Transfer (2018): Following its Fringe success, the show transferred to the Arts Theatre in London, building a cult following and critical buzz.

West End Debut (2019): Six made its official West End debut at the Vaudeville Theatre, establishing itself as a must-see musical in London’s iconic theatre district.

North American Premiere & Broadway (2019-2020): The show crossed the Atlantic, beginning a North American tour before landing on Broadway in March 2020. Though its Broadway run was initially interrupted by the pandemic, it triumphantly reopened, going on to win numerous awards.

Global Expansion (Ongoing): Beyond London and Broadway, Six has launched successful productions in Australia, Canada, and on national tours across the UK and North America, proving its universal appeal. As of June 2025, the show has been enjoyed by over 3.5 million people globally, according to the official Six website.

What Makes Six So Unique and Resonant?

Several factors contribute to Six the Musical‘s unparalleled success and connection with modern audiences:

“Her-story” Reimagined: The show flips the traditional, male-centric historical narrative on its head, giving voice to women who were largely defined by their relationships to a powerful man. This feminist reinterpretation resonates deeply in today’s social climate, emphasizing female empowerment and individuality.

Pop Concert Format: Instead of a traditional book musical, Six is structured like a pop concert, complete with an all-female live band, dynamic choreography, and flashy lighting. Each queen’s song is distinct, drawing inspiration from contemporary pop divas (e.g., Beyoncé, Adele, Ariana Grande), making the historical figures relatable and the music instantly engaging. The cast album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and has been streamed over 100 million times worldwide, a testament to its catchiness.

Concise and Energetic: At just 80 minutes, the show is a burst of energy, packing a powerful punch without any lulls. This succinctness appeals to modern attention spans and leaves audiences wanting more.

Empowering Message: Despite the historical tragedies, the overarching message of Six is one of strength, solidarity, and finding one’s own voice. The queens ultimately realize their collective power, moving beyond their shared past to celebrate their individual legacies.

Educational Entertainment: While highly entertaining, Six also serves as an engaging and accessible history lesson. It introduces audiences to the distinct personalities and fates of Henry VIII’s wives in a way that sticks, sparking curiosity about Tudor history.

Practical Tips for Experiencing Six

Book Early: Six remains incredibly popular, so securing tickets in advance, especially for weekend performances or specific tour dates, is highly recommended. Websites like SeatGeek provide updated tour dates and ticket availability.

Consider Matinees: Matinee performances often have slightly better ticket availability and can be a good option for families or those looking for a more relaxed viewing experience.

Arrive Early: Many theaters have merchandise stands where you can purchase Six-themed items. Arriving early allows you to soak in the pre-show atmosphere.

Embrace the Energy: Don’t be afraid to clap along, sing along (respectfully, of course!), and get into the concert vibe. The show thrives on audience engagement.

Listen to the Cast Album: Familiarizing yourself with the songs beforehand will enhance your enjoyment of the live performance and allow you to appreciate the clever lyrics and musical nuances.

Recent Trends in 2025

As of 2025, Six the Musical continues its reign with several notable trends:

Continued Global Touring: The show maintains robust touring schedules in the UK, North America, and other international markets. For instance, the UK tour schedule for 2025 and early 2026 is extensive, with stops planned in cities like Dublin, Leeds, Coventry, Newcastle, and Cardiff.

New Cast Rotations: To keep the productions fresh and to accommodate the demanding performance schedule, Six regularly introduces new casts. The West End production, for example, announced a new cast line-up for its 2025-2026 run at the Vaudeville Theatre, featuring new and returning “Queens.” This also encourages repeat visits from fans eager to see different interpretations of the roles.

Accessibility Initiatives: The production is increasingly focusing on accessibility, with various venues offering captioned, audio-described, and BSL interpreted performances, ensuring a wider audience can enjoy the show.

Cinematic Release: In a significant move, a pro-shot filmed version of Six the Musical featuring the original West End cast was released in UK cinemas in April 2025. This allows a broader audience to experience the show and serves as a fantastic archival record.

Sustained Educational Impact: Schools and educational institutions continue to embrace Six as a dynamic tool for teaching history. The “Six: Teen Edition” has been made available, specifically licensed for amateur primary and secondary education school productions with performers aged 19 and under.

Real-Life Examples of Six’s Impact

Inspiring Young Historians: Anecdotal evidence and teacher testimonials frequently highlight how Six has sparked an interest in Tudor history among students who previously found it dull. The musical’s modern lens makes historical figures relatable and encourages further research.

Empowering Aspiring Performers: The all-female cast and the strong, individualistic characters have become role models for young female performers, demonstrating diverse vocal styles and powerful stage presence.

Cultural Conversation Starter: Six has fueled conversations about historical representation, feminist narratives, and the re-evaluation of historical figures. It encourages critical thinking about how history is told and by whom.

Economic Impact: The show’s sustained popularity contributes significantly to the theatre economies of London, Broadway, and various touring cities, supporting countless jobs in the arts industry.

FAQs

Is Six the Musical historically accurate? 

Six the Musical takes significant artistic license for dramatic and entertainment purposes, but it is rooted in historical facts. While the events of each queen’s life are generally accurate (divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived), the show reimagines their personalities and interactions in a contemporary, pop-concert setting. It’s best described as “her-storical” – a feminist reinterpretation of history.

What is the recommended age for Six the Musical? 

Six is generally recommended for ages 10 and up. While it’s a pop concert, it does contain some adult themes, including discussions of miscarriage and personal trauma. The show also features flashing lights, strobe effects, theatrical haze, and loud music.

How long is a performance of Six the Musical? 

A typical performance of Six the Musical is approximately 80 minutes long, with no intermission. Its concise runtime is one of its distinctive features.

Can I meet the Queens after the show? 

Due to high demand and to ensure the safety of audiences and staff, official meet-and-greets with cast members are generally not arranged. While some cast members may briefly appear at the stage door, their availability varies, and it’s not guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

Six the Musical has transcended the traditional boundaries of musical theatre, creating a vibrant, accessible, and profoundly impactful experience. Its blend of historical storytelling, contemporary pop music, and a powerful feminist message has resonated with a diverse global audience, proving that history can be both educational and exhilarating. As Six continues to play to packed houses and inspire new generations, its legacy as a groundbreaking theatrical phenomenon is firmly secured, celebrating the voices of women who were, for too long, relegated to the sidelines of history.

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