Some shows are best experienced live, and Six is one of them. The smash-hit musical has finally landed in Auckland’s Civic Theatre as part of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival, and it’s a spectacle that defies expectations, turns history on its head, and leaves the audience utterly electrified.
At just 75 minutes, Six is a whirlwind of energy, sass, and empowerment. The six wives of Henry VIII, often reduced to a mere rhyme — “Divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived” — step into the spotlight to reclaim their narratives in a show that’s equal parts historical revisionism and full-fledged pop concert. Think Beyoncé meets The Tudors, with a dash of RuPaul’s Drag Race attitude.
From the moment the lights go up, it’s clear that this is no ordinary period piece. The queens arrive in a blaze of neon-lit steampunk regalia, striking a pose that could easily belong on a world tour stage rather than a history textbook. The costumes, designed by Gabriella Slade, are a stunning fusion of past and present, Tudor elegance meeting modern pop royalty.
Each queen takes her turn at the mic, recounting her tale through powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp lyrics, and choreography that crackles with energy. Kimberley Hodgson’s Catherine of Aragon channels Beyoncé-level command in her opening number, setting the tone for an unstoppable night. Chelsea Dawson’s Katherine Howard, meanwhile, delivers a heartbreakingly fierce performance that turns tragedy into triumph. And Giorgia Kennedy’s Catherine Parr brings the show to an emotional high, proving that survival is just as powerful as rebellion.
But Six is more than just a collection of solo showstoppers. It’s a masterclass in ensemble performance. The chemistry between the queens is undeniable, their harmonies soaring as they riff off each other with biting humor and infectious camaraderie. The live on-stage band, affectionately dubbed the “Ladies in Waiting,” adds another layer of energy, driving the music with electric guitar, drums, and a pulsing beat that makes it impossible to sit still.
This isn’t just a retelling of history—it’s a rewriting. Six plays with the idea of perspective, flipping the traditional narrative of Henry VIII’s wives from passive figures in his story to fully realized, complex women with their own voices. It asks a compelling question: what if their stories weren’t defined by a man? And it answers with a resounding, foot-stomping declaration of self-worth.
While the music and spectacle are enough to make Six worth seeing, what truly elevates it is its message. The show doesn’t just celebrate these women—it champions empowerment, diversity, and reclaiming one’s own story. It’s a reminder that history is not just what happened, but how we choose to tell it.
So, whether you’re a history buff, a musical theatre aficionado, or simply someone looking for a night of high-octane entertainment, Six delivers. It’s bold, it’s brilliant, and it’s impossible to forget. As the queens themselves declare, “We don’t need your love—we’ve got our own!” And trust me, after witnessing this spectacle, you’ll be ready to join the Queendom.
SIX runs at Auckland’s Civic Theatre until March 23 as part of the Auckland Arts Festival. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the Auckland Arts Festival website.
Image: Auckland Arts Festival
