Six the Musical isn’t just another stage show. It’s a vibrant, energetic retelling of history with a modern spin. Based on the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII, this show packs serious personality into every scene. But instead of dusty royal outfits and long-winded storytelling, Six grabs the mic and delivers each queen’s story as if headlining her own pop concert. With bold choreography, catchy songs and loads of flair, the show turns history into something that feels fresh and fun.
Taking its place firmly in the UKs busy theatre circuit, Six has become a firm favourite. Whether you’re someone who’s never seen a show or a regular theatre-goer, it offers something different from the usual. The energy in the room is infectious, the music makes you tap your feet, and the smart writing brings history closer in a way that feels a lot more personal than a textbook. The show takes what could feel like distant historical figures and gives them a voice, rhythm and spotlight.
The Story Behind Six the Musical
At the centre of Six is an idea that flips the script. Instead of watching a king’s story unfold, it’s the six queens who step forward and claim their space. Each one takes a turn to tell her side, turning the stage into something that feels more like a concert arena than a standard theatre set.
The format is simple but clever. The wives compete for the spotlight, each arguing that she had it worse than the others. That playful competition leads into meaningful moments that reveal what life was like for women connected to a powerful king. But don’t expect a downer. These characters use humour, strength and clever lyrics to show their struggles and resilience.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- It breaks the timeline and brings a pop-culture glow to history.
- The queens perform like a girl group, each with her own distinct musical style.
- It blends historical fact with themes that still resonate today.
Instead of focusing on drama or tragedy, the show celebrates the women for who they were and lets the audience see them as more than just wives. That sharp change in focus is what helps the production connect so strongly.
Characters That Shine
The true heart of Six lives in its characters. Each queen arrives with her own voice, personality and energy. Their stories are told through powerful solos that stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Here’s a quick look at the six queens:
1. Catherine of Aragon – Confident, proud and powerful. She opens the show with a bold anthem about refusing to be erased.
2. Anne Boleyn – Bold, sharp and cheeky. Her quirky humour and sass make her instantly memorable.
3. Jane Seymour – Emotional and gentle. Her heartfelt ballad is a quiet moment that still packs a punch.
4. Anna of Cleves – Self-assured and playful. Her performance is full of confidence and swagger.
5. Katherine Howard – Flirty on the surface but layered with deeper meaning. Her song mixes fun with reflection.
6. Catherine Parr – Mature and thoughtful. Her solo brings together all the stories with purpose and strength.
These are historical figures, but they’re portrayed in ways that feel current and relatable. One audience member might leave humming Anne Boleyn’s beats. Another might be thinking deeply about Catherine Parr’s quiet power.
The music adds as much to the message as the words do. These songs aren’t just chart-style bangers. They carry ideas about identity, power and legacy. Whether through tales of love, betrayal or independence, each queen adds a unique voice to the shared story.
Creative Team and Production
Six the Musical owes much of its success to Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Their sharp take on history began as a student project but grew into a West End powerhouse. From the beginning, they presented a bold idea: what if the queens got to speak directly to fans of today? Through humour and music, that idea has taken on a life of its own.
The set is not your typical Tudor backdrop. Instead, the stage is fitted out like a pop concert with bold lighting cues, microphone stands and on-stage interactions. The energy keeps shifting with each queen’s solo, and the experience is more immersive because the fourth wall is pretty much non-existent. The queens address the crowd, drop witty side comments and bring the audience into the moment.
Costumes are key too. Designed with historical influence but styled for a pop stage, these outfits make a strong impression. Think leather-trimmed skirts, corsets with shimmering accents and glam rock boots. Each look ties into the queen’s personality and music style, adding depth to their presence as performers.
The choreography matches the vibrant sound. Some numbers involve the whole cast in tight, synchronised moves, while others let one performer command the spotlight. The combination of movement, music and design delivers a full visual punch every time.
This creative vision is what makes the show so memorable. Nothing feels like filler. Every scene is part of a performance that says something strong, loud and clear.
Tips for Finding London Theatre Ticket Deals and tickets around the UK
If you’re planning to see Six the Musical in London, there are some tricks that can help you find a better deal on tickets while ensuring a smooth theatre visit.
Here are some practical tips:
1. Look for midweek shows. Performances on Tuesday or Wednesday often come with lower prices or more seat availability than weekend evenings.
2. Keep your plans flexible. Matinees and off-peak times can open up unexpected availability and better-value seats.
3. Join mailing lists and alerts. Many ticket sellers and platforms send alerts when discounted offers go live or new booking periods are added.
4. Explore different seating zones. While stalls are popular, side stalls or upper circle often provide excellent views at lower prices.
Don’t rule out rear seating. In a show like Six, which focuses on bold visuals and audio, the back of the theatre can still offer a fantastic experience.
For example, someone booking seats at the Vaudeville Theatre might initially aim for the front row centre. But moving back a few rows or toward the aisle can make the experience more comfortable, with easier access and savings on price.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on different seat maps and times. The London theatre scene is active enough that, with a little timing and research, great value seats are possible.
But you can also catch it at:
The Theatre Royal Newcastle
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford
Theatre Royal Brighton
Theatr Clwyd Wales
Hall for Cornwall Truro
Princess Theatre Torquay
York Grand Opera House
Edinburgh Playhouse
Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff
Cliffs Pavilion Southend
Malvern Theatres
Wycombe Swan
Mayflower Southampton
New Theatre Oxford
Winter Gardens Blackpool
Eastbourne Theatres
Palace Theatre Manchester
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Liverpool Empire
Wyvern Theatre
Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent
Theatre Royal Nottingham
Hull New Theatre
Darlington Hippodrome
Why Six the Musical Resonates
Six the Musical brings something original and thrilling to the London stage. At its heart are six women whose stories balance entertainment and emotion. More than just wives or footnotes in royal history, these characters lead the show with confidence and style.
The mix of pop sound, visual spectacle and historical commentary creates a show that’s easy to enjoy but still full of meaning. Six doesn’t lecture the audience. It invites you in with wit and rhythm, gets you laughing, then leaves you with something to think about.
Whether you’re big on history, music, or just looking for something fresh, Six finds a way to connect. Each moment is packed with energy and intent, and within 80 minutes, the queens make a big impression.
For those exploring London theatre shows, this one’s a true standout. Its blend of storytelling, performance and bold reinterpretation of the past makes it more than just a catchy show. It’s a conversation with history, reshaped by beat, melody and voice.
Whether you’re a theatre newbie or a seasoned fan, there’s always a perfect show waiting for you. At Artspod, we’re passionate about guiding you to the heart of London’s vibrant theatre offerings. If you’re on the hunt for London theatre ticket deals, explore the latest events we have curated to make your theatre experience unforgettable. From iconic musicals to edgy new plays, let the magic of stagecraft sweep you away.
