After starting out as a show at the Edinburgh Fringe, then going on to take the West End and Broadway by storm, Six the Musical is now set to take over our screens in the cinema.
Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss in the Summer of 2017, Six has graced the West End scenes for years, with the Queens putting on shows six-out-of-seven days a week at the Vaudeville Theatre, London.
What is Six The Musical About?
Think you know Henry VIII’s wives? Well, think again because they’re so much more than divorced, beheaded, died. Six is a musical comedy in the style of a pop concert and is a modern retelling of the wives of Henry VIII. The wives take the spotlight as they grab the microphone and reclaim their identities from the shadow of their infamous spouse, forming a 21st-century girl band.
Six the Musical is now a global sensation. Having made its mark in North America and down under in Australia at the Sydney Opera House. Producers have set further productions in Germany and Switzerland, and audiences are set to fill the sold-out shows in Amsterdam.
With twenty-three awards, including two Tony Awards in 2022 this musical is centre stage ready for the big screen.
‘Six – The Musical Live!’ Film
So the big question: when do we expect to see Six in the cinemas? Universal Pictures Content Group will produce the filmed performance, which will screen in UK and Ireland cinemas on the April 6th, 2025. Fans can book tickets now.
Six has attracted 3.5 million viewers globally since its debut. And it is about to attract even more due to its cinematic release.
Six The Musical Cast
The performance will include the original West End cast: Jarnéia Richard-Noel as Catherine Of Aragon. Millie O’Connell as Anne Boleyn. Natalie Paris as Jane Seymour. Alexia McIntosh as Anne Of Cleves. Aimie Atkinson as Katherine Howard and Maiya Quansah-Breed as Catherine Parr.
The Original West End cast will reunite at London’s Vaudeville Theatre in front of a sold-out audience to strut their stuff and re-write their Tudor traumas.
The film cast will be accompanied by an onstage band known as the Ladies In Waiting. Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage directed the stage production, with Liz Clare directing the film version.
Show creators Marlow and Moss said, “We’re so grateful that we had the opportunity to film the show, and that we get to share Six with a wider audience in this new and exciting way.”
Universal Pictures Content Group have previously brought stage productions to screens such as The Phantom Of The Opera and Les Miserables: The Staged Concert.
Helen Parker, Executive Vice President of Universal Pictures Content Group, said they “can’t wait” to bring the production to the big screen.
It has yet to be announced if screenings will become avaliable to international fans.
Henry VIII and His Relevancy To Six
Henry VIII was the former King of England during the 1500s, otherwise known as the Tudor Period. Henry VIII is infamously known as the king who had six wives, hence the musical.
Six Wives – Herstory
Catherine of Aragon was the first to marry, and this was the longest marriage of all six. Together they had one child, a daughter, Mary I. However, Henry desperately wanted a son. Henry grew frustrated at Catherine’s inability to give birth to a son, so he created the Church Of England to divorce Catherine.
Next came Anne Boleyn. While still legally married to Catherine of Aragon, Henry pursued his interests with Anne. After the divorce from Catherine, they quickly married, and in no time Henry had his second child, Elizabeth I. Henry, however, had a naturally jealous and suspicious character, and was persuaded by an advisor that Anne was unfaithful. This led to Anne being arrested and beheaded after accusations with minimal evidence.
Thirdly came Jane Seymour. Jane was Henry’s favourite wife after she granted his wish of a son, Edward VI. Sadly, Jane died 2 weeks after the birth, it’s assumed from pregnancy complications.
Alas, Henry finally got his one wish in life: a son. But did he stop there? Nope. Next was Anne of Cleves; however, this didn’t last long as Henry expressed concerns she was already married and her figure looked too voluptuous for him. Alas, the marriage did take place, but Henry divorced her only months later.
Next in line to marry was Katherine Howard. Katherine married Henry when he was 49 years old, whereas she was only a young woman. During their marriage, Katherine was accused of treason and meeting another man. Henry had Katherine beheaded 2 years after they had married.
The last to marry was Catherine Parr. She proved to be kind to Henry as she looked after him in his sickness and was a good stepmother to his children. Henry died 4 years after they had married, making her the only queen to survive Henry VIII.
Six the Musical Film – Fans are Excited!
I’m sure the Queens and the cast are ready, but what are the fan reactions?
Excitement, of course! Fans cannot wait to relive their favourite musical and sing along with the Queens. Musical fans around the UK are getting ready to let out their sassy and fierce side. This show is one not to miss!
Thousands have already booked their tickets to a screening local to them.
Although, some have kicked up a fuss about the price of cinema tickets. One fan expressed that the cost of a ticket is similar to seeing the musical live at the theatre.
The price will definitely be worth it though, right?!
Divorced, Beheaded, LIVE! in Cinemas
Expect to sit back with your favourite cinema snacks or be sat in a screening filled with joy, impeccable sing-a-longs, and dancing queens!
The cinematic release was filmed over a couple of shows last year at the Vaudeville Theatre and marks a special reunion for the original Queens from Broadway! Expect sparkles, glitz and glam, and one hell of a show!
The onstage show lasts around 80 minutes without an interval. This is expected to be the same length for the film unless they add in any behind-the-scenes extras before entering the stage and finishing the show.
The trailer for the musical is available to watch via Six The Musical‘s social media accounts and Universal Studios UK YouTube account.
Musical film adaptations have taken the cinematic scene by storm recently. Especially with the recent release of Wicked and the upcoming release of Wicked 2. But live film adaptations, we have only seen the likes of big musicals, such as Billy Elliot and Phantom Of The Opera, make the cinemas.
The magic of musicals becomes alive on the big screen. Viewers can feel the energy from the performance as if they are a part of the show.
The 6th of April is not too far away, but if you cannot wait that long, Six The Musical is taking bookings up until November 2025 at the Vaudeville Theatre.
