[Review] SIX the Musical: A Spectacle of Tudor History, Pop, and Empowerment for the Woke Generation

The lights dimmed, the crowd hushed, and the energy in the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands exploded as SIX the Musical made its highly anticipated Singapore debut.

For 80 electrifying minutes, the six wives of King Henry VIII commanded the stage, rewriting history with sass, wit, and a dazzling display of vocal and theatrical prowess.

Running from 14 November to 1 December, SIX delivers an explosive theatrical experience, blending historical intrigue with modern pop culture. Steeped in female empowerment, SIX is poised to be a hit with the woke generation.

SIX reimagines the narratives of Henry VIII’s six wives—Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr.

Instead of being remembered merely as footnotes in the story of a notoriously egotistical king, the queens take center stage, sharing their own stories as bold, independent pop stars. With empowering lyrics and infectious beats, each wife reflects on her relationship with the monarch, transforming tales of heartbreak and betrayal into a triumphant celebration of resilience and individuality.

For Singapore audiences unfamiliar with the Tudors, Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 to 1547 and is infamous for his six marriages. His matrimonial history involved divorce, beheadings, and heartbreak, making for an intriguing backdrop that SIX adapts into a pop concert format.

From Catherine of Aragon’s defiant anthem to Anne Boleyn’s cheeky irreverence, the show seamlessly transitions through musical styles, with each queen belting out contemporary hits from pop icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Adele, one after another in rapid-fire succession.

The creators, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, fuse history and pop culture with witty lines, ensuring the material resonates universally. The Sands Theatre’s intimate yet grand setting complements the show’s vibrant staging and intricate costumes. Designed by Gabriella Slade, the costumes are a visual feast, blending Tudor-era elements with contemporary pop aesthetics—think sequins, studs, and Swarovski crystals.

The Singapore production features the internationally acclaimed UK Tour cast, each actress delivering a performance worthy of their regal personas. Billie Kerr opens the show as Catherine of Aragon, her powerful vocals and commanding presence setting the tone for the evening.

Yna Tresvalles, as Anne Boleyn, delivers a delightfully irreverent portrayal, captivating the audience with her mischievous charm. The latter was clearly a crowd favourite, judging from the rambunctious cheers that greet her every cheeky antic on stage.

Liberty Stottor shines as Jane Seymour, bringing vulnerability and heartache to her ballad, Heart of Stone, one of our favourite performances for the night.

Hannah Victoria infuses Anna of Cleves with a sense of self-assuredness and humour, making her one of the most endearing queens.

Lizzie Emery, as the young and tragic Katherine Howard, mesmerises with a performance that is equal parts sultry and poignant. Closing the ensemble is Eloise Lord as Catherine Parr, whose powerful finale reminds us of the collective strength and resilience of these women.

The cast is supported by the Ladies in Waiting, a live band composed of talented all-female musicians who are as integral to the show’s success as the queens themselves.

Overall, we found SIX to be an enigmatic musical powerhouse, presented by six larger-than-life characters, donned tin loud, colourful costumes. Beyond the retelling of history from females’ perspective, SIX seeks to reclaim their narrative, with the six queens demanding their recognition, not just as victims of Henry VIII’s whims but as individuals with their own desires, strengths, and flaws. This will resonate with the current trending woke narratives perpetuating in the Western world.

SIX is a celebration of individuality and resilience, proving that even centuries-old stories can inspire and empower in the modern age.

Ticketing and Show Information

SIX the Musical runs at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, until 1 December, 2024. Tickets are available through Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC, and Klook, with prices ranging from S$68 to S$208.

Performance times are 8:00 PM on weekdays, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM on Sundays. With no intermission and a runtime of just 80 minutes, SIX offers a fast-paced, thrilling ride from start to finish.