SIX the Musical has arrived at The Lowry, and it's turning the well-known tale of Henry VIII's six wives into a thought-provoking pop concert. The all-female cast, each with powerful voices and diamante-studded boots, tells the queens' stories through pop, rap, and even techno, offering a fresh perspective on a 500-year-old history.
A New Perspective on the Tudor Queens
The show, written by Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, deliberately omits King Henry VIII from the stage, focusing entirely on the women. With a nod to the Spice Girls' 'Wannabe,' it channels girl power from the start. The queens' songs are inspired by pop legends like Beyoncé, Shakira, Adele, and Sia, each solo highlighting their individual stories and struggles.
Through music, SIX tackles themes such as forced marriage, abuse, trauma, and exploitation, drawing parallels to women's lives today. Jane Seymour's ballad 'Heart of Stone' is a standout, portraying her devotion and the pain of missing her son's milestones due to her early death.
An Innovative Format
SIX is not a typical musical. With just six cast members, four band members (The Ladies in Waiting), one set, and no interval, it runs for 80 minutes in a concert-like style. The cast interacts directly with the audience, creating an engaging and refreshing experience that breaks from traditional musical theatre.
The show's success is remarkable, given that Moss and Marlow had never written together before. Now, nearly a decade later, SIX tours worldwide and has won Tony Awards. The audience's reaction at The Lowry—laughter, cheering, and a standing ovation—proves its appeal.
SIX is at The Lowry until August 15, with UK tour dates continuing through November 2027.
