Six The Musical delivers an electrifying blast of historical reinvention at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, transforming the six wives of Henry VIII into punk rock icons with breathtaking energy and contemporary flair. This production boldly reclaims their narratives from the dusty annals of history, presenting them not as passive victims but as fierce, autonomous women whose stories resonate powerfully today.
A Revolutionary Retelling of Tudor History
For centuries, the stories of these women have been overshadowed by their infamous rhyme: "Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived." Six shatters this simplistic portrayal, delving deep into their individual personalities, struggles, and triumphs. The musical asserts that these were not mere footnotes in a king's biography but formidable individuals who exhibited what creator Shonda Rhimes might term "badassery"—a defiant confidence that challenges historical silence.
Stellar Performances Bring History to Life
Each queen commands the stage with a distinct musical style and persona, creating a vibrant tapestry of female empowerment:
- Catherine of Aragon (LaSasha Alredge) launches the show with a carnival-esque celebration, turning her story into a joyous party rather than a tale of pious suffering.
- Anne Boleyn (Lucia Valentino) channels contemporary wit with mobile phone selfies and Lily Allen-inspired lyrics, adding a cheeky, modern twist to her tragic narrative.
- Jane Seymour (Emily Dawson) delivers a heart-wrenching Adele-style ballad that explores her genuine love for Henry, adding emotional depth to her brief reign.
- Anna of Cleves (Jodie Knight) steals scenes with fearless Queen Latifah energy, reclaiming her story after being dismissed for her appearance through hilarious German house music and a triumphant castle takeover anthem.
- Katherine Howard (Abi Atchison) transforms from pop princess to poignant commentator, with lyrics that cleverly subvert expectations in her Britney-esque number.
- Catherine Parr (Eve Kitchingman) provides the show's powerful climax, urging solidarity among the queens in a literally show-stopping moment that emphasises unity over competition.
Production Elements That Amplify the Power
The staging is deliberately minimalist yet brilliantly effective. With no elaborate scenery, the production relies on innovative lighting to create portrait frames, television contestant shows, and church pews, allowing the performers' energy to remain front and centre. The punk-inspired costumes—studded jackets and high-heeled biker boots—visually reinforce the show's rebellious spirit.
Supporting the queens is an all-female band that rocks the auditorium: Rosabella Gregory on keys, Amanda Dal on drums, Rosie Botterill on guitar, and Jess Williams on bass. Their powerful accompaniment drives the 80-minute performance without an interval, maintaining relentless momentum that keeps audiences captivated from start to finish.
Writing and Direction That Challenges Conventions
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss's writing is both clever and irreverent, blending historical facts with contemporary humour and feminist commentary. The musical cleverly plays with the concept of a pop concert, framing the queens as contestants vying for the title of "most mistreated," only to ultimately reject this narrative in favour of collective empowerment.
The production's raw energy—eschewing props, scene changes, and even a traditional interval—creates an intimate, immersive experience. This approach emphasises the "sisters doing it for themselves" ethos, making the theatrical magic entirely dependent on the performers' talent and chemistry.
Why This Production Resonates So Deeply
Six succeeds not just as entertainment but as cultural commentary. By giving voice to women whose stories were marginalised in their own time, the musical highlights how historical narratives have often silenced female perspectives. The show argues that these Tudor queens paved the way for future generations of women to assert their agency and challenge patriarchal structures.
Audiences leave buzzing with energy, having witnessed a story told with both authenticity and artistic license. The queens' permission to "edit their own endings" serves as a powerful metaphor for reclaiming one's narrative—a message that transcends the Tudor setting to speak to contemporary issues of representation and voice.
With its combination of thundering vocals, energetic choreography, and cheeky humour, Six The Musical at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is more than just a night out—it's a celebration of resilience, solidarity, and the enduring power of women's stories. Don't miss this exhilarating ride through history, reinvented for the modern age.
