Currently playing the Vaudeville theatre in London’s West End is Six, a punchy musical about the six wives of Henry VIII. More of a pop concert than a musical, the show is a series of solo musical numbers in which each wife competes for the title of the most hard done by at the hands of the infamous tyrannical King.
But this is no ordinary stuffy history class. And this is no regular sugar coated family musical. Already a Tik Tok Sensation the show has an impressive cult following, with tween birthday parties sitting happily alongside adult date nights.
The brainchild of Cambridge University peers Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, this show has transcended its humble start at Edinburgh Fringe Festival to become a global sensation. If you are in any doubt, here are six reasons to take your teen (or tween) to SIx.
The Music
You may be expecting Greensleeves played on a harp or two but Six is a full on modern musical mash up. Teens will love the eclectic blend of styles – hip hop, reggae, dancehall, pop, house and electronica.
Furthermore, the Six queens were inspired by a hall of fame of recent artists that teens will instantly recognise from Beyonce and Britney Spears to Avril Lavigne and Adele. Like watching a Tudor version of ‘Little Mix’, the result is funky, fresh and oozing cultural relevance.
It’s Sexy
Remember watching Grease as a child? You’re the one that I want? Spray on leggings and magnetic pelvises? Yep that’s the one.
Except Six is racy in a whole other sense of the word. It’s an all female cast – King Henry VIII never makes an appearance – so all the chat about sex comes from the female gaze. Innuendo is constant and pretty graphic at times, and although likely to go over the heads of most, it’s just enough to spark that sense of naughtiness that will captivate curious minds.
And then of course there’s the costumes. Bejewelled tunics, flared mini skirts, studded corsets, fish nets and thigh highs. Opulent and made even more titillating by all the back arching, bum cheek lifting and general gyrating that one would expect from any pop goddess du jour.
An all female cast
Yes that’s right there isn’t a man in sight. Apart from the six leading ladies there are three other onstage performers – the female band or ‘ladies in waiting’. All female and all bad ass! It’s no secret that leading female roles are sparse in gender diversity lacking musical theatre land, so to have a production that leans so heavily into telling herstory as opposed to history feels momentous.
There’s been alot of umming and ahhing about whether a show that portrays women as opportunistic, cat fighting and competitive with only their husband as a claim to fame is truly feminist. But as the Tudor queens rightly acknowledge in a final scene of self reckoning – what else is Henry VIII known for other than his wives?
Whatever your stance this Tony award winning show feels rebellious and a reclamation of female voices that young girls and boys will benefit from.
It’s diverse
Not only is it refreshing to see females empowered and ruling the roost, Six also does a great job at representation across the board. Different skin colours, ethnicities and bodies of all shapes are seen in the Six wives.
It’s Educational…(and clever)
Ok I can’t verify that its historically legit and I suspect that much isn’t. I did find myself googling whether or not Anne Boleyn had a sixth finger (apparently it was indeed a rumour back then although ultimately false). Nonetheless this is a great option to inspire a love of history and let’s face it who isn’t obsessed by the ogrous Tudor king and his unfortunate wives. And please who can resist such genius lyrics ‘He don’t wanna bang her, somebody hang her!‘
It’ short
With a running time of 80 mins with no interval Six is a bite-sized musical which may account for why its so popular with tweens and teens. Grab an 8pm performance mid week and you will be home in time for bedtime.
Need More inspiration? Check out our Hot List of London Musicals for Teens 2024
Is Six the Musical for Kids? Whats the age recommendation?
Heard some mumblings and grumblings at the school gate? Here’s what parents of smaller children need to know.
The official age recommendations for Six is 10+. I would use your own parental judgement and take it on a child by child basis.
Six would not be a good choice for my 8 year old son or 10 year old niece. Firstly Six is a far cry from the wonderful albeit rather twee family theatre I have weaned my kids on (Julia Donaldson is a big favourite) They have never been to a music concert or had any interest in going….yet.
But I don’t doubt some children, dare I say it particularly girls will love it. And if your child has been to an Ariana Grande or Little Mix concert the content of this show will barely raise an eyebrow.
Here are some things to consider if you are weighing up whether this show is appropriate for your younger children.
- It’s a small and intimate theatre and the performances are wonderfully bold and in your face. The acoustics particularly in the stalls make for a loud and intimidating start with numerous black outs which may prove triggering to kids.
- The story is hard to follow in places, more so if you know nothing about Tudor history. As I’ve said there is less storytelling and the feel is more like a rock concert. Clever lyrics and double entendres are spat out in quick succession with great effect but will go completely over the heads of young ones…which may be a good thing considering the adult tone and innuendo..
- Kids may not understand every saucy pun but they possibly will pick up on some of the adult content. Sexual references, infidelity, beheadings, maternal death, miscarriage, rape and sexual exploitation (All you wanna do) all feature albeit under blanket of clever witticisms. If you are not ready to have those conversations you might want to avoid.
The West End is brimming with great shows right now including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Mrs Doubtfire and The Lion king that are suitable for the whole family. Check out this round up of family-friendly shows on Londons West End.
Six is playing at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End alongside its UK Tour. Book Here using my affiliate link.
