Six is a revolutionary musical that transforms the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives into a modern pop concert. Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, it combines history, music, and storytelling to present the queens as independent voices.
The musical frames their lives as a singing competition where the wives compete to determine who suffered the most under Henry VIII. Yet the show goes beyond competition. It empowers each queen to reclaim her identity and rewrite her story.
Six stands out because it blends humour, pop music, and historical narrative to engage audiences in a fresh and exciting way.
Origins and global premiere
The journey of six started at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017. It was performed by Cambridge University students and quickly gained attention to its originality. The musical premiered in London’s West End at the Arts Theatre in January 2019, followed by a UK tour.
In May 2019, it arrived in North America, and Broadway hosted the production in February 2020. The show experienced a hiatus due to COVID-19 but officially returned at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in October 2021.
In April 2025, a filmed version, SIX The Musical Live! was released in UK and Ireland cinemas. Its global release introduced international audiences to this unique retelling of history.
The storyline: The queens speak
Six tells the story of Henry VIII’s wives through individual songs, each highlighting their experiences and emotions.
Catherine of Aragon begins the competition in No Way, describing how Henry wanted to annul their marriage to pursue Anne Boleyn. Despite her loyalty, she faced rejection and betrayal.
Anne Boleyn takes the stage with The One You’ve Been Waiting for and Don’t Lose Ur Head, presenting her charm, wit, and struggles with infidelity and her eventual execution.
Jane Seymour’s Heart of Stone highlights her unique position as Henry’s true love and mother of his male heir, emphasizing the conditional nature of his affection.
Anna of Cleves adds humor in Get Down, parodying modern dating apps and highlighting Henry’s rejection, yet she celebrates her independence and wealth.
Katherine Howard performs All You Wanna Do, sharing both her romantic history and emotional trauma, giving a voice to issues historically overlooked.
Finally, Catherine Parr questions the competition in “I Don’t Need Your Love, emphasizing independence and accomplishments beyond Henry VIII.” The musical concludes with The Mega six, a mashup celebrating the queens reclaiming their narratives as individuals rather than defining themselves by Henry.
Themes and social commentary
While entertaining, six addresses deeper themes. It explores empowerment, self-expression, and female identity. The queens challenge the historical narrative that defined them by their relationships with Henry VIII.
Humor and modern pop culture references make historical events relatable. Scenes like Haus of Holbein comment on beauty standards and societal expectations, connecting 16th-century figures with modern audiences.
The musical encourages viewers to reflect on how history often silenced women’s voices and how storytelling can reclaim them.
Music, style, and performances
Music is the heart of six. Each queen’s song matches her personality, combining pop, hip-hop, and theatrical elements. The lyrics are witty, emotional, and historically grounded.
Stage performances are energetic, with elaborate choreography, costume changes, and lighting that reflect the queens’ moods and stories.
The pop concert format makes history fun and engaging, and the musical has been praised for its accessibility and creativity. Audiences experience history in a dynamic, modern way.
Historical accuracy vs artistic license
Six is inspired by real historical figures and events, but it takes creative liberties. The show compresses events and exaggerates personalities for dramatic effect.
Sensitive topics, such as Katherine Howard’s abuse, are portrayed with empathy while maintaining theatrical storytelling.
Historians note that while some details are simplified or fictionalized, the musical succeeds in conveying the emotional realities and struggles of the queens.
This balance between fact and art makes the show entertaining while still educational. Read our in-depth coverage of Maya Hawke’s acting evolution and how she grew up as an artist after the global success of Stranger Things.
Impact and global popularity
Since its debut, six have achieved worldwide success. From West End to Broadway, UK tours, and filmed productions, the show has captivated audiences globally. Its appeal crosses age, gender, and cultural boundaries, offering a modern perspective on historical women.
Fans in Pakistan and elsewhere can connect with the themes of empowerment and individuality while enjoying a vibrant pop concert experience. Its global reach demonstrates how theatre can educate, entertain, and inspire simultaneously.
Critical acclaim
Critics praise six for its innovative approach, catchy music, and engaging performances. Its humor, emotional depth, and empowerment message make it a standout in modern musical theatre.
Historians like Suzannah Lipscomb and Gareth Russell appreciate the show’s balance of entertainment and historical insight. The musical’s combination of modern pop culture and history has reshaped expectations for contemporary theatre.
Legacy and influence on theatre
Six is redefining musical theatre. It merges historical storytelling with pop music, challenging traditional theatre norms. Its focus on marginalized voices and female empowerment has influenced educators, theatre makers, and audiences worldwide.
By blending music, storytelling, and history, the show demonstrates how theatre can both entertain and provoke thought. It also encourages creative adaptations of historical narratives for modern audiences.
Why six matters
Six is more than a musical about Henry VIII’s wives. It empowers women, challenges historical narratives, and brings history to life with music. Its innovative style engages audiences while delivering meaningful messages.
For theatre enthusiasts in Pakistan, it is a unique way to experience history, music, and storytelling. The show celebrates individuality, resilience, and the ability to rewrite one’s own story, making it a powerful cultural phenomenon.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are six?
Six is a musical that retells the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives through pop songs and performances
2. Who created six?
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss wrote the music, book, and lyrics for six
3. When did six premieres?
Six premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017 and in West End in 2019
4. What themes does six explore?
Six focuses on empowerment, individuality, and reclaiming female voices
5. Is six historically accurate?
Six is based on real historical figures but uses creative storytelling for drama and entertainment
