SIX The Musical: The glittery version of history
By Leo Phimphravichith
Pop goes the confetti cannon. Shimmery gold mylar flies through the theatre reflecting the neon lights. In this Australian production of SIX The Musical — the critically acclaimed show with book, music, and lyrics by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss — the crowd erupts after finally being given permission to dance. Another confetti cannon goes off. Nothing feels more ‘SIX’ than the energy radiating off the crowd, onto the stage, and then back into the crowd in a never-ending cycle of colourful pop magic.
After its record-breaking run in the Sydney Opera House’s Studio – being the longest running production there in history – the equally iconic cast of SIX are now bringing their versions of the wives of Henry VIII to the nation’s capital.
Historemix is a portmanteau you will hear throughout the show’s many infectious tunes. The musical is a history lesson disguised as a pop concert, that acts as a foundation to rewrite the stories of six historic women.
The musical was originally created in late 2016 for the Cambridge Musical Theatre Society, but has since amassed a cult following with productions being performed across the world, on cruises and on Broadway. This Aussie run is exceeding expectations, with critical acclaim and an Instagram page with over 30 thousand followers, and even their own dedicated fan page.
“This show is for any person who enjoys life,” said Vidya Makan, who plays the lovable Parr.
“It is genius in that each queen and each of the songs have their own character. We are all so diverse in many different ways, with musical styles and senses of humour that we all bring to the show.
“I really do think there is something in it for everyone. My grandma and my niece could come and have a great time.”
Despite the trojan horse reviews, the hyper-feminine nature of the show could have some people overlook it. Australian Associate Director of the musical Sharon Millerchip says it is much more than what it initially appears to be.
“On the surface, this show looks like a lot of froth and bubble, a lot of girl power, singing, dancing, lights and confetti,” she said.
“And it is all of those things, but it also has something legitimate to say.
“The show also explores themes of competition, sense of self-worth, claiming your own power, and perhaps the way we have perceived and judged women in history in the past. It has depth that will make you ruminate on leaving the show.”
I was told by members of the cast that a girl in Sydney came to watch the show 36 times, and leaving the theatre, it’s easy to see why.
“The show is surprisingly smart, witty, sexy and cheeky,” said Kala Gare, who plays the quick-witted Anne Boleyn.
“It’s baffling how every element is at the top of its field from lighting, sound and costume.”
The combination of infectious pop melodies, killer choreography, dynamic vocals, and a cast that is oozing pop-girl-group-chemistry, SIX The Musical satisfies that live performance craving we’ve all been missing.
SIX The Musical will be running in the Canberra Theatre Centre until 15th of May.
Curieux would like to thank the team at Lucky Star Media for providing tickets and making this happen.