“SIX” revolutionizes the storytelling of history. By transforming Henry VIII’s wives into pop icons, the musical forces its audience to rethink whose stories will be heard and how they are presented.
At its heart, “SIX” shines because it gives agency back to women who have been wronged. Rather than focusing on Henry’s role, the musical flips the perspective to show the humanity, strength and struggles of each Queen. It’s a necessary shift that makes the audience question how often women throughout history are reduced to side characters in the stories of men.
Each song feels like a concert-worthy pop anthem. From the defiance of Catherine of Aragon’s “No Way” to the vulnerability of Jane Seymour’s “Heart of Stone,” the complexities of each queen are presented. The show’s standout number, “All You Wanna Do,” is especially masterful in how it shifts from playful flirtation to unsettling realization, a critique of how Katherine Howard’s trauma has been historically overlooked.
Visually, the production is just as bold. The queens’ costumes instantly establish them as pop royalty. The choreography and lighting make the entire show feel like a stadium concert, drawing the audience in while reinforcing the idea that these women are finally taking center stage.
Perhaps the most refreshing part of “SIX” is its refusal to dwell on tragedy. While the queens acknowledge their hardships, they reclaim their stories with humor and an unapologetic demand to be remembered on their own terms. By the time the finale arrives, the message is clear: the queens are not defined by their relationships to Henry—they define themselves.
Even if you can’t see the show live, the soundtrack is absolutely worth a listen. The songs are catchy and full of personality, making “SIX” almost as entertaining through headphones as it is on stage. Just be warned, once you hear it, there’s no escaping the chorus of “All You Wanna Do” looping in your head.