Theatre review: Musical Six’s sassy feminist perspective sizzles

Six

Base Entertainment Asia
Sands Theatre
Nov 15

Historical figures from 16th-century England might not immediately spring to mind as subject matter for a musical comedy, but their treatment in Six is anything but stuffy.

The 2017 British production features radio-friendly numbers told from a sassy feminist perspective. The characters are the six wives of Henry VIII, who was the king of England from 1509 to 1547.

But, in a modern twist, the Tudor queens have been reimagined as pop princesses out to reclaim their narratives.

It has been performed on Broadway and the West End, and won the 2022 Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design of a Musical.

Self-aware of the concept’s campiness, the 80-minute show at Sands Theatre was never too serious or earnest. Rather, it maintained a sense of lightness and good-natured humour throughout, as the sextet told their stories in a variety of contemporary music styles.

The sizzle came from the stars’ performance, each of which boasted plenty of oomph.

1. Billie Kerr as Catherine of Aragon

The 25-year-old Scottish actress played the loyal Catherine of Aragon with a sense of force and power worthy of American pop diva Beyonce.

Kerr effectively conveyed the character’s blistering anger upon realising that Henry wished to annul their marriage and move her into a nunnery.

Six has been the actress’ dream show since drama school, and she played another character, Jane Seymour, in a cruise ship production of Six.

2. Yna Tresvalles as Anne Boleyn

It might have been the Filipina American’s professional debut, but her nerves certainly did not show.

The petite 23-year-old graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2024.

Able to pull off cute as well as crafty, her feisty portrayal of the flirtatious, fun-loving Anne Boleyn – who was famously beheaded for treason – packed a punch.

3. Liberty Stottor as Jane Seymour

With her soft, velvety voice, the British actress proved that a steady line delivery, sans vocal stylistics, was enough to convey a sense of steely resolve.

Her alto voice shone on the ballad Heart Of Stone, about her character’s unshakeable devotion to Henry in the face of challenges.

The obedient and honourable Seymour is not the most interesting character, but the 24-year-old thespian coloured her portrayal with a quiet dignity.

Her outfit’s white panelling, which was apparently a nod to the lines of Tudor architecture, was also a nice touch.

4. Hannah Victoria as Anna of Cleves

Bold and boisterous, the 27-year-old British actress commanded the stage with not just her singing, but also her vivacious dance moves.

On Get Down, her sashay and shimmy oozed with swagger, and her infectious energy also had some audience members grooving along.

Victoria’s portrayal of Anna of Cleves had dollops of attitude and was among the night’s most memorable. And she rocked that studded outfit and thigh-high boots.

5. Lizzie Emery as Katherine Howard

The British actress played her character as a coquettish sex kitten.

Her pink high ponytail seemed to be a reference to American superstar Ariana Grande – who, according to a note in the programme, partly inspired the character’s presentation.

The 28-year-old actress has posted on Instagram that she is having the time of her life telling the story of Katherine Howard, to whom she affectionately refers as “Kate babes”.

6. Eloise Lord as Catherine Parr

The British actress often lets her curly locks down in real life. But she tied them up to portray the hard-headed Catherine Parr, who had to leave a man she loved because Henry wanted to marry her.

The character, who studied scripture, was the first woman in England to publish books under her own name. She also supported education for women.

And the 27-year-old actress portrayed her with confidence and strength.

Book It / Six

Where: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue
When: Until Dec 1; 8pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 2pm (Saturdays), 1 and 6.30pm (Sundays)
Admission: $68 to $208 via Sistic (go to www.sistic.com.sg or call 6348-5555)