SIX the Musical, the global phenomenon which has taken the world by storm has confirmed its new Australian cast! The Tony Award-winning electrifying musical enjoyed record-breaking seasons across the country and now, following huge demand and anticipation SIX will reign again in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
SIX tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII who step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this modern pop-inspired musical brings these historical figures to life, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right.
Audiences are taken on a journey through the lives of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, each telling their own story and reclaiming their own narrative.
Taking on the role of Henry VIII’s first wife, the sassy Catherine of Aragon, will be Kimberley Hodgson fresh from playing the iconic role of Anita in West Side Story (Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour). Kimberley has also graced stages in recent Australian productions of Miss Saigon, Mary Poppins and Frozen.
Joining the cast as the rule breaking second wife Anne Boleyn will be WAAPA graduate Deirdre Khoo who has just completed the acclaimed 50th Anniversary Australian Tour of The Rocky Horror Show playing Janet Weiss.
Loren Hunter returns to the role of the loyal third wife Jane Seymour having blown audiences away across Australia in previous tours. SIX has enhanced her unfaltering musical theatre career including roles in Strictly Ballroom the Musical and King Kong the Musical.
The independent Anna of Cleves will be played by Zelia Rose Kitoko. Zelia is a multifaceted actor, singer, dancer, and solo creative artist having toured worldwide with Dita Von Teese’s acclaimed touring review and made her musical theatre debut in the Australian production of Hamilton in 2020.
The role of the playful fifth wife, Katherine Howard will once again be played by Chelsea Dawson. Chelsea made an incredible impact in the role on the most recent tour of SIX across Australia and has since understudied the lead role of Sophie in the Australian tour of MAMMA MIA! the Musical.
Giorgia Kennedy joins the cast in the role of the empowering Catherine Parr. Giorgia’s previous musical theatre roles include understudying the lead role of Juliet in & Juliet and also understudying the lead role of Frankie in Jagged Little Pill.
Joining the SIX Australian Queens are the extremely talented swings made up of Gabriella Boumford, Thalia Smith, and returning Dance Captain/Swing Chiara Assetta and Resident Choreographer/Assistant to the Director/ Alternate Swing Cristina D’Agostino.
Also supported by the SIX on stage band including Music Director / Keys Claire Healy, Assistant Music Director / Keys Heidi Maguire, Kathryn Stammers on Drums, Danielle Colligan on Guitar and Ann Metry on Bass.
This new and exciting company commence rehearsals in July under the helm of Australian Associate Director Sharon Millerchip leading the team once again.
In crowning the new Queens, producer Lousie Withers said “SIX has seen incredible anticipation and demand from fans which was a major force to bring the global phenomenal back to our stages,” she said.
“The same anticipation exists regarding who will be crowned the SIX Australian Queens, and we are now thrilled to present these incredible and dynamic performers. We know the fans will join us in being excited to welcome them into the Queendom and see them all step into the roles of the Ex-Wives.”
The smash-hit musical, SIX, continues its unstoppable journey as it captivates audiences around the globe with its innovative and empowering take on history. Since its premiere in 2017, SIX has become a cultural phenomenon, redefining the boundaries of musical theatre and engaging audiences of all ages.
What sets SIX apart is its ability to resonate with diverse audiences and breathe new life into historical storytelling. With its cleverly crafted lyrics and contemporary sound, the musical effortlessly bridges the gap between the past and the present, appealing to both theatre enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
It has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring fans to embrace their own strength and celebrate the triumphs and struggles of these remarkable women.
As SIX continues its global journey, it cements its place as a ground-breaking musical that pushes boundaries and inspires audiences of all ages. Its a high-octane, fun-filled 80 minutes of mega-watt entertainment.
SIX the Musical will reign again at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 2 August 2024, the Theatre Royal Sydney from 25 October 2024 and at QPAC’s Playhouse in Brisbane from 2 January 2025. For more information, visit: www.sixthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Deirdre Khoo, Loren Hunter, Zelia Rose Kitoko, Kimberley Hodgson, Giorgia Kennedy and Chelsea Dawson – photo by Michelle Grace Hunder