Six (Teen Edition)

Having taken History at school (yes, that now feels like history itself), I still clearly remember the rhyme: “Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.” For many today, the highly popular pop-style musical Six has brought the wives of Henry VIII to the forefront again—with catchy tunes and energetic choreography rather than textbooks.

I’ve seen this musical several times over the past six years, and it’s no surprise to me why it continues to enjoy sell-out performances on the professional tour circuit.

KLOS only finished their last production a few weeks ago, and I was amazed to learn this youth production of Six: Teen Edition was rehearsed in just six weeks (spotting a theme here?). Had I been asked, I’d have guessed they’d been preparing for six months—such was the polish opening night.

I had the privilege of attending that opening performance. Some say opening night is just another dress rehearsal—but this cast of (appropriately) six showed no sign of that. Even when faced with a technical hiccup during the opening number, the cast handled the moment well and without showing any sign of upset. The show was briefly paused to sort the microphones, and the performers returned to loud, supportive applause before starting again.

The musical’s structure is engaging, with each of Henry VIII’s wives telling her story through high-energy, pop numbers, with witty interjections and rivalries over who had the worst time with the infamous monarch. The prize? Becoming the group’s lead singer.

It’s impossible to single out a standout performer—each of the six queens brought their own strength, charisma, and vocal power. Whether singing solos or in full ensemble harmony, the cast delivered an amazing performance.

So, hats off (not heads) to:

• Izzy Pitt (Catherine of Aragon)
• Sophie-Rose Hodgetts (Anne Boleyn)
• Robyn Harding (Jane Seymour)
• Jasmine Ward (Anna of Cleves)
• Libby Currell (Katherine Howard)
• Summer Bloor (Catherine Parr)

The staging was simple but highly effective, with lighting that matched the music well. After the initial hiccup, the sound was solid, and the handheld microphones—so crucial in this show—were used with skill. Costuming was in line with the bold, look that Six has become known for.

Was this, KLOS’s first youth production, a success? Absolutely.

Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and production team for delivering a high-energy, high-quality show that any theatre group would be proud of.

As for what’s next—I’m already looking forward to Dick Whittington and His Cat this December and The Wizard of Oz next May. Both are firmly in the diary.

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