Play Guides

Guide to seeing SIX The Musical in Melbourne

SIX the musical cast

Alice Piper

Posted July 15, 2022

A smash hit, SIX The Musical is one of the best shows you can catch in Melbourne. Here’s everything you need to know about this show that runs until August 21.

SIX The Musical is taking the city by storm right now at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre after successful stints on Broadway, the West End, Sydney Opera House, as well as Adelaide and Canberra.

Winner of two TONY AWARDS, including Best Original Score, this global musical phenomenon sees the six wives of Henry VIII tell the story of their suffering and their subsequent deaths – in the glitteriest and most spectacular way possible.

Vidya Makan, who plays Henry VIII's last wife, Catherine Parr, has been involved in the show since 2019 and says it's a must-watch play for theatre lovers and those looking for an entertaining night out in Melbourne. 

“Getting to do the show is electric, and I’m so proud to be a part of this work and what it says to the world in this moment.”

Here’s your complete guide to seeing SIX The Musical live on stage in Melbourne. RACV Members can enjoy a whole new suite of benefits, with exclusive offers to access a range of theatre experiences and events in Melbourne’s famed East End.

Everything you need to know to see SIX The Musical in Melbourne

What is SIX The Musical about?

Think about the story of Henry VIII's six wives, then add some shimmer, some pop princesses and some spectacular musical performances, and you have a dazzling recount of five hundred years of historical heartbreak.

This modern adaptation is not your typical history lesson. Instead, you’ll see Henry VIII’s six wives compete to see who suffered the most at the hands of the King through song, with the ‘winner’ crowned the lead singer of their girl group. However, as the show progresses, the audience is in for a turn of events - will Henry VIII’s six wives continue to be at odds, or will they rally and come together to support each other in their individual stories?

The power of song, and the personal stories told by each of Henry VIII’s wives convey a very powerful message about feminism and women’s liberation, which is something Makan is extremely proud of.

“For me, this show is about women saying, 'Listen to me, hear what I have to say', and I think that’s so powerful.”

Watch the official trailer for SIX The Musical.

Is Six the Musical suitable for children?

SIX The Musical is recommended for ages 10 and up, so yes, older kids can come along.

Keep in mind, however, that there are some adult references throughout the show.

“Such a golden nugget of this show is that it can span across people who are kids, right up to the elderly,” says Makan.

“[The show] can be appreciated by so many demographics, whether they love history or not. It's the pop element that brings so many people in, as well as the incredible writing, and those who just love the glitz and glamour of it all."

Who is in the Melbourne cast of SIX The Musical?

The main characters in SIX The Musical are Henry VIII’s six wives, who are played by (in order):

  • Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife, is played by Phoenix Jackson Mendoza who has also starred in The Boy from Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  
  • Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, is played by Kala Gare who has starred in 50 Shades of Gray, Twelfth Night and Rent.
  • Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third wife, is played by Loren Hunter who has starred in King Kong, Strictly Ballroom and Georgy Girl.
  • Anna of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, is played by Kiana Daniele who has starred in The Boy from Oz and was the lead in Dirty Dancing.
  • Katherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, is played by Chelsea Dawson who has starred in Les Misérables, The Drowsy Chaperone and Elegies: A Song Cycle.
  • Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife, is played by Vidya Makan who has starred in Romeo and Juliet, Merrily we roll along and American Idiot.

Makan has spent years studying and understanding her character, Catherine Parr, and says the more she learns about Parr’s life, the more she appreciates what she's meant to history.

“I love her character and what she brings to the show,” Makan says.

“Catherine Parr changes the show completely because she flips the switch and makes us question a lot of things - not just in her historical story but how her story also fits into a modern-day narrative.”

“She is such an incredibly intelligent woman and was so highly educated that it’s great she can bring those things to the show and show women today they can be powerful, strong and so much more,” she adds.  

SIX the musical cast

Henry VIII's six wives on stage. Credit: James D Morgan. 

How long does SIX The Musical go for?

Prepare for 75 minutes of glitz, glamour and catchy pop songs. SIX The Musical has no interval, so it's recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the show commencing to allow enough time to go to the bar before you take your seat.

While SIX The Musical might be shorter than most other musicals, Makan says you’ll still experience an amazing production.

“The length is the show is a real testament to the amazing writing in that we cover so much in such a snappy way,” she says.

“What I love about [the writing] is that it’s fun and cheeky. It allows women to claim their stories from a position of power, rather than from a victim's mentality.”

How long is SIX The Musical showing for?

SIX The Musical premiered in Melbourne on June 17, 2022 and will show until August 21, 2022.

Where is SIX The Musical showing?

SIX The Musical is showing at Melbourne’s historic Comedy Theatre. Built in 1928, the Comedy Theatre is a blend of European influences with the exterior being a replica of a Florentine palace and the interior showing a strong Spanish flavour.

With multilevel seating, including balcony seating, the 1000-person capacity means your theatre experience at the Comedy Theatre will be a more intimate one than some other theatres in Melbourne. 

How can I buy tickets to SIX the Musical?

You can purchase SIX The Musical tickets from the Comedy Theatre’s official ticketing partner, Ticketek. Tickets purchased from any other sources may not be valid, so make sure to buy only from Ticketek.

SIX the musical cast

Henry VIII's six wives battle it out through song. Credit: James D Morgan. 

How to prepare to watch SIX The Musical for the first time

Before you see SIX The Musical, it’s worth knowing a little about Henry VIII.

As the second son of Henry VII, Henry VIII was second in line for the throne, after his brother, Arthur. When Arthur died, Henry VIII became the King of England from 1509-47.

One of the more notable acts of Henry VIII’s reign as King was that he broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. Henry VIII had Parliament declare him Supreme Head of the Church of England and started the English Reformation because the Pope would not annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

In amongst going to war, marrying many different women and having two of them killed (Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard), Henry VIII was a tireless athlete, huntsman and dancer, who promised England the joys of spring after the long winter of Henry VII’s reign. Historical accounts point to him being well liked.

You can also get in the mood for SIX The Musical with their Spotify playlist, or watch the trailer so you can learn the musical numbers and sing along with the performers.

Is there a dress code to see SIX The Musical?

While there is no formal dress code for the Comedy Theatre, SIX The Musical is a dazzling and glitzy show. You may wish to dress up a little and have some fun when attending this show – think sparkle, sequins and bright colours.

Restaurants near the Comedy Theatre

There are many great Melbourne CBD restaurants to enjoy before a show at the Comedy Theatre including Yakimono on Little Collins Street and Robata on Exhibition Street, as well as Chin Chin and Coda Melbourne on Flinders Lane. Chinatown is also a short walk to the Comedy Theatre.

However, if you’re after a restaurant with an emphasis on all things local, head to the creative and bold two-level restaurant Sojourn, which is great for theatre groups with big share plates on offer. 

 

Cast of SIX the musical

Henry VIII's six wives unite to show the strength of women in overcoming adversity. Credit: James D Morgan.

Bars near the Comedy Theatre

When the show is done, head to any number of bars in Melbourne CBD like Bourke Street Green, just a short walk from the Comedy Theatre.

If you’re looking to sip the night away on some great cocktails, you’re in luck, because whether you like your cocktail sweet or sour, Melbourne CBD has it all. Some of the Melbourne CBD’s finest cocktail bars include Byrdi, Eau de Vie and Nick & Nora’s.

Is food and drink available at the Comedy Theatre?

Bars at the Comedy Theatre open one hour before the show, serving local beers, Victorian wines and hand-made cocktails, plus a snack selection including choc tops, chips and chocolate.

How to get to the Comedy Theatre

Conveniently located right in the heart of Melbourne CBD, the Comedy Theatre is easily accessible via public transport. Either catch a train to Flinders Street Station and walk about five minutes to the theatre or catch the 48 or 75 trams.  

If you’re more inclined to drive, there are many Wilson Parking car parks nearby, including on Flinders Street, just a short few minutes’ walk from the theatre.

If you are coming via public transport, travel with arevo - a free journey planner app that can map out the most efficient travel route to the Comedy Theatre.
 

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