Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived… but the six wives of Henry VIII were more than just one word in a silly rhyme.
And they are ready to put on sparkly costumes and pick up microphones to prove it, when the West End hit musical Six arrives in Inverness next week and later on in Aberdeen.
“It’s a fast-paced high-energy 75-minute extravaganza about the wives of Henry VIII from the perspective of the wives which is something that we never really heard before,” said Jennifer Caldwell who plays Anne Boleyn – the second wife.
“I’m the first one to get her head chopped off,” laughed Jennifer.
“In history, everyone perceived her as a temptress – someone who lured the king away from his first wife (Catherine of Aragon).
“I think the show subverts that and tells it from her perspective.
“Women didn’t have a lot of rights at all and she was trying to better her family’s position in court. She was someone who was pushed from pillar to post. She’s very different from what history has written her as.
“I play her as a very silly and a bit vapid, sarcastic character.”
Female power, great tunes and positive message
Women’s empowerment is at the centre of this intoxicating Tudor musical which is presented as a history-remixed pop concert.
“We start the show under the ruse of us competing who had it worse – who had the worst time with Henry,” explained Jennifer.
“But towards the end of the show, we all come together and it’s about supporting one another and not comparing yourself to other people, and lifting each other up – which I think is a really good message.
“It seems to resonate with a lot of teenage and young women (in the audience). I think it’s a great message to be able to take around the UK and deliver it to people.
“Also, there are very few productions that are all about women that are about togetherness and polishing each other’s crowns.”
Inspired by pop princesses
Speaking of queens and crowns, the musical pays tribute to current pop princesses, featuring amazing songs and showstopping costumes, which helped to make Six a massive hit with audiences ever since it premiered in 2017.
The show’s creators – Cambridge University students Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss – picked up a Tony award for the Best Original Score (music and/or lyrics) at the 2022 award ceremony.
“The show has such intelligent, witty lyrics – the more you listen to it, the more you discover. It’s so cleverly written.
“Also, each song is a tribute to a current pop star. You’ve got Beyonce with a Spanish flavour for Catherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn has more of an Avril Lavigne and Lily Allen kind of vibe.”
And fans will also be able to recognize Adele, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears and Ariana Grande influences in the fabulous musical that quickly became a global phenomenon.
Stunning costumes add to musical Six’s charm
Also, none of the aforementioned pop princesses would be ashamed to wear the show’s glittering costumes. Designed by Tony winner Gabriella Slade, Jennifer described her outfits as “absolutely insane” and “amazing”.
“I remember seeing the costumes for the first time and being like ‘Oh my world’.
“They’re based on the Tudor shape but with very modern fabrics and colours.
“Also, each queen has her own separate colour that signifies them. It’s also reflected in the lighting… it’s such a collaborative piece. Every single department worked together to make it a visual spectacle.
“It really does look like a pop concert.”
And just like pop stars, the cast of Six embarked on a huge UK tour, travelling to Inverness next week before performing at Aberdeen’s HMT in May 2023.
“I love being on tour. You get to see new places but also visit cities that you love,” said Jennifer.
“I’ve been to Aberdeen with Shrek the Musical and American Idiot and I’ve visited Inverness with Million Dollar Quartet.
“I absolutely cannot wait to come back because the theatres are beautiful and Scottish audiences are the best, hands down.
“This show relies a lot on the audiences being involved and vocal and enjoying themselves and Scottish audiences give than in absolute abundance.”
How to book tickets to see musical Six in Aberdeen and Inverness
West End sensation Six will be at Eden Court in Inverness from Tuesday November 8 to Saturday November 12. Tickets can be booked here.
The musical will then travel to Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s where theatre fans will be able to catch the show from Tuesday May 9 to Saturday May 13. Click here if you wish to purchase tickets.
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