Review By: Ginnelle Cocks

Show: SIX the musical

Venue/City: The Civic Theatre Auckland, New Zealand

Date of Event: Saturday 1st March 2025

Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.

Fresh from its triumphant Australian run, SIX premiered in Auckland’s Civic Theatre last Saturday night, bringing Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow’s masterpiece to life as part of the Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival 2025 programme. Far from your usual musical this show is more of a pop concert, filled with choreographed high energy dance routines, with each Queen telling their story through song as they compete for “who had it worst” as an ex-Wife of the infamous King Henry VIII of England.

As we arrive at the Civic, the entire lobby is filled with keen theatre-goers in all manner of spectacular outfits, from the sequined suits to the sky-high heels and floor length dresses. Spiked crowns and colourful themed cocktails (somewhat of a tradition at the Civic) all add to the atmosphere as we head inside and take our seats.

The stage set is minimal and simple, as the curtain lifts on the band ‘Ladies in Waiting’ in their positions. Use of lighting mimics church-like windows behind the band and are used throughout the performance in various capacities.

The music starts up and our Queens make their spectacular entrance, with Gabriella Slade’s incredible costumes reflecting the personalities and stories of each Queen. Kimberly Hodgson’s portrayal of Catherine of Aragon is strong and commanding, while Dierdre Khoo’s Anne Boelyn is sassy, sarcastic and witty in unmistakable Boelyn green. As Jane Seymour, Loren Hunter brings a softer more emotional lens, dressed in a slightly more conservative manner with her longer skirts as she delivers a heartfelt rendition of ‘Heart of Stone’.

Bringing the tempo back up after the emotional interlude the Queens band together to perform ‘House of Holbein’ a high energy dance number as we are then introduced to Zelia Rose Kitoko’s Anna of Cleves; divorced by Henry for not looking like her ‘profile pic’.

As Katherine Howard, Chelsea Dawson takes us on a journey as she starts her performance as the strong, independent girl who knows what she wants, to that of a vulnerable young woman, who’s years of succumbing to male desires has left her empty and jaded. Our final Queen Catherine Parr is the sole survivor of her time with Henry. Giorgia Kennedy’s portrayal tells the sad story of a woman identified only by her husbands with her own accomplishments being often glazed over by history.

But this is not about Henry. While he may have been the figure which links them, the final telling is clear; these queens will not be defined by him. SIX is a story of female strength and resilience, and at times, it’s hard not to think back to the ‘girl power’ mania which the late 90s entailed thanks to the Spice Girls.

From the stunning costumes to the powerful performances, SIX is not to be missed and is on now at the Civic Theatre for a limited run throughout March.