If you had asked me what Six the Musical is about a few weeks ago, I would have shrugged and said, “no idea ¯(ツ)/¯.” Today, I am embarrassed that I didn’t know. I had never heard of Six, The Musical, and I certainly didn’t have a clue about the plot. So while I may have entered totally in the dark, trust me when I say I left completely lit up.
If there’s one thing I hate more than embarrassment though, it’s second-hand embarrassment, and I want better for you. So if you’re being prudent and are searching for the lowdown on Six the Musical before you go, then A) Bravo, you’re smarter than I, Queen, and B) here’s everything you need to know about Six the Musical before the curtain rises.
What is Six the Musical About?
Six the Musical is about the six wives of Henry VIII — but not in the way your high school history teacher would have taught you. Each wife gets her moment in the spotlight, literally, as the show is structured like a pop concert where the queens compete to out-do each other with their stories. The twist? They’re not fighting over Henry anymore. They’re taking back their own narratives.
The six wives, in order, are Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. Each one gets a solo that reflects both her historical story and a modern pop star persona, which means the music is genuinely excellent and incredibly catchy.
It’s 80 minutes, no intermission, and you will be on your feet by the end. You have been warned.
The Six Wives and Their Modern Pop Star Personas
This is where Six gets really clever. Each wife’s Tudor gown gets a punk-pop makeover with leather, spikes, and considerably shorter skirts, scandalous by historical standards and absolutely iconic by ours. Their musical styles are also matched to modern artists, which makes each character instantly recognizable even if you know nothing about Tudor history.
Here’s who’s who:
- Catherine of Aragon: Beyoncé, JLo, Jennifer Hudson
- Anne Boleyn: Avril Lavigne, Miley Cyrus, Lily Allen
- Jane Seymour: Adele, Celine Dion, Sia
- Anna of Cleves: Nicki Minaj, Rihanna
- Katherine Howard: Ariana Grande, Britney Spears
- Catherine Parr: Alicia Keys, Emeli Sandé
Once you know this going in, the performances become even more meaningful. You’ll catch every reference and love it.
What is the Message of Six the Musical?
Six the Musical really drives home the point that women have been going through it for a long, long time. The more things change, the more they stay the same, am I right? While we may not run the risk of having our heads chopped off like poor Anne and Catherine, the rest could be pulled from this morning’s news: double standards, abuse of power, and child exploitation.
I had a lump in my throat by the end of “All You Wanna Do,” sung by Queen Katherine Howard. It starts upbeat and sexy, but bit by bit, the disturbing realities of this woman’s abuse from the time she was 13 become clearer and clearer, ending with her frustration and rage. Relatable, much?
But Six doesn’t wallow. The arc of the show moves these queens from mortal enemies vying for the top spot to becoming each other’s biggest fans, and that moment lands like a chef’s kiss for any feminist in the audience.
Six the Musical is an Experience, Not Just a Show
Six isn’t just a musical, it’s an experience, and the more you participate, the better it gets. The show breaks the fourth wall regularly, with the queens frequently engaging with the audience and making you feel like a member of their entourage. Or for the women in the crowd, their ladies in waiting.
I cannot get “Get Down” sung by Anna of Cleves out of my head and frankly I don’t want to. I am the Queen of the Castle, thank you very much, and you will be too after hearing this song.
The energy is electric. Most of the audience is clapping, cheering, and singing along, so come ready to participate. This is not a sit-quietly-in-your-seat kind of show.
Why the Cult Following Makes Total Sense
Six has a devoted following that borders on obsessive, and once you see it you will completely understand why. It blends historical narratives with modern pop culture in a way that highlights ongoing issues like gender inequality and the power of women’s voices without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. It’s genuinely fun while also being genuinely meaningful, which is a harder combination to pull off than it sounds.
From dazzling costumes to dynamic lighting and stage effects, every element enhances the storytelling. The minimalist set lets the queens’ performances do all the work, and they absolutely do.
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Read: Hadestown, Explained →Why Six the Musical Flipped the Script for Me
Perhaps what I loved most about Six is how it completely reframed history for me. No longer is Henry VIII the main character. The wives are, because without them he would be long forgotten. Women were the ones who sacrificed their bodies, their peace, and their lives to please him and advance his fortunes. Without them, he’s nothing, and I will never think about Tudor history the same way again.
More nights out at the theatre, please. With AI on the rise and many of us avoiding “peopley” places, live theatre is a reminder that we have been gathering for entertainment since Roman times. It’s meant to be enjoyed as a community, and Six is a wonderful reminder of that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Six the Musical
Six the Musical is a pop concert-style Broadway musical about the six wives of Henry VIII. Each queen gets her own solo number styled after a modern pop star, and together they reclaim their stories from the footnotes of history. It’s 80 minutes, no intermission, and wildly entertaining.
The six wives are Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. Each one is styled after modern pop icons, from Beyoncé to Nicki Minaj to Adele, which makes the show feel fresh and incredibly current despite being set in Tudor England.
At its core, Six is about women reclaiming their own narratives. It explores how history has diminished and defined women by their relationships to powerful men, and it flips that script entirely. It’s feminist, funny, and surprisingly moving, especially in the final act.
Six is generally recommended for ages 10 and up. The show deals with some mature themes including the abuse of Katherine Howard and references to execution. That said, it’s presented with humour and pop energy rather than graphic detail, and most older kids and teens who love music will absolutely love it.
Six runs approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. It’s the perfect length, long enough to get fully invested, short enough that you leave wanting more rather than checking your watch.
Because it’s genuinely great. The music is catchy and well-written, the performances are high energy, the costumes are spectacular, and the message resonates. It also breaks the fourth wall and invites the audience to participate, which makes every performance feel electric. The cult following exists because people see it and immediately want to see it again. Hello, I’m people!
Go in knowing the six wives and their pop star inspirations. You’ll catch every reference and enjoy the performances even more. Wear something fun, be prepared to clap and sing along, and don’t eat a big meal right before because you will be on your feet for most of it. Also, the soundtrack is phenomenal so download it before you go and listen on the way there.
Yes and no. The historical facts are accurate in broad strokes, meaning these were real women who really were married to Henry VIII and whose fates were largely as described. But the show is a creative reimagining, not a documentary. The pop star personas, the concert format, and the sisterhood storyline are all invented. The emotional truth, however, is very real.
Disclosure: Thank you to Broadway Across Canada for inviting me to come review their show. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine. Images provided by Broadway Across Canada
Post updated February 24, 2026
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