Introduction
Six the Musical is a modern retelling of the stories of history’s six queens – Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. Premiering in 2017, the musical has become a sensation in the theatre industry, winning numerous awards and gaining a global fanbase. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the show’s history, plot and characters, comparisons to other theatrical works, interviews with the creative team, and socio-cultural relevance.
The History of Six the Musical
Six the Musical was created by West End actors and writers Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow as their final project at Cambridge University. After receiving positive acclaim during its first performances, the musical premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 2017, followed by a limited engagement at the Arts Theatre in London’s West End.
The production quickly became a hit, with its catchy pop-style music, clever lyrics, and vibrant costume design. Six tells the stories of the six queens in a unique way, with each character performing their own style of music, from a sassy and fierce rap battle to a haunting ballad.
The show’s success in the West End led to a transfer to Broadway in 2020, which was unfortunately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the show continues to thrive in new productions around the world.
Plot and Characters of Six
Six follows the six queens as they come together for a modern-day pop concert-style performance, competing with each other to see who had it the worst in their marriage to King Henry VIII.
Each queen has a unique story and personality portrayed throughout the show. Catherine of Aragon, Henry’s first wife, sings a soulful ballad while reflecting on her struggle to produce a male heir. Anne Boleyn, the seductive and witty second wife, performs a high-energy pop song in which she boasts about being the most famous queen. Jane Seymour, the third wife, sings a melancholy song about her love for Henry and her ultimate fate. Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife, performs a humorous German-style song in which she brags about her own independence and ability to outsmart Henry. Catherine Howard, the fifth wife, sings a sultry and playful song about her young age and the affair that led to her downfall. Catherine Parr, the final wife and Henry’s only one to outlive him, sings a powerful ballad about the importance of women’s voices.
Together, the queens create a cohesive narrative about their experiences and struggles in a world where they are often overshadowed by their male counterparts. The musical’s creative team subverts the traditional stories of the queens, injecting modern themes and music into their characters.
Comparing Six to Other Theatrical Works
Six stands out from other historical musicals due to its unique format and contemporary take on the queens’ stories. Its use of pop music and modern themes has sparked a new wave of interest in historical figures, particularly among younger audiences who may not have been as familiar with the queen’s stories.
Comparing Six to other contemporary musicals, such as Hamilton or Dear Evan Hansen, shows how the show’s use of historical stories in a modern context resonates with audiences across generations. Its themes of female empowerment and reimagining historical figures are a reflection of the current cultural moment, where discussions of gender, race, and representation are at the forefront.
Interviews with the Creative Team
The show’s writers Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow have spoken in interviews about their creative process in developing Six. As two young writers fresh out of university, they wanted to create a show that challenged traditional views of history and incorporated modern themes and music. They also wanted to create a show that was accessible and engaging for younger audiences.
Composer Toby Marlow explained in an interview with Broadway.com how he worked with the actors to create unique musical styles for each queen that reflected their personalities and stories. Costume designer Gabriella Slade also spoke to The Guardian about her use of vibrant colours and modern fashion in designing costumes for the queens.
Socio-Cultural Relevance of Six
Six presents a unique view of history that resonates with modern audiences. The show’s themes of female empowerment and rewriting traditional narratives reflect a cultural moment that values diverse perspectives and representation.
In addition to its use of modern themes, Six also incorporates contemporary issues. For example, the song “All You Wanna Do” in which Catherine Howard sings about her affair with multiple men, highlights the double standards applied to women for behavior that is seen as acceptable for men.
The show’s socio-cultural relevance is also tied to its historical and contemporary context. The six queens were all living in a time where women’s rights and voices were suppressed, and their stories have been largely overshadowed by Henry VIII’s own legacy. Moss and Marlow’s rewriting and emphasis on the queens’ perspectives is a reflection of a current cultural moment that values examining and rewriting historical narratives.
Conclusion
Six the Musical is a powerful and innovative production that continues to attract audiences from around the world. Its unique format, themes, and creative elements make it a standout in the theatre industry and an inspiration for young audiences. Six challenges traditional views of history and reimagines the stories of historical figures in a way that is accessible and engaging for modern audiences.
For those interested in exploring Six further, listening to the soundtrack or watching performances on YouTube are great ways to get started. Additionally, browsing interviews with the creative team or reading critical analyses of the show can provide new insights and perspectives.
Ultimately, Six is a testament to the power of storytelling, representation, and diverse perspectives in the theatre industry and beyond.