Watch Trailer For SIX THE MUSICAL LIVE!
I remember the first time I found myself captivated by the story of Henry VIII’s wives. I was a curious ten-year-old flicking through a dusty old history book, entranced by the portraits of royals in elaborate gowns and sumptuous jewellery. Little did I know that years later, the formidable lives of these six Tudor queens would spark one of theatre’s biggest sensations—and now, that sensation is stepping off the stage and into cinemas. If, like me, you find yourself addicted to the thrill of a live performance but also appreciate the communal spectacle of a movie theatre, then buckle up: SIX THE MUSICAL LIVE! is about to deliver the best of both worlds.
A Royal Arrival On The Big Screen
When I first heard that SIX THE MUSICAL LIVE! was heading to U.K. cinemas this April, I’ll admit to a moment of disbelief. Could the dynamic energy of a live production truly be bottled up for film while preserving that intimate spark that has audiences dancing in the aisles? Universal Pictures clearly believes so. The original West End queens—Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Millie O’Connell, Natalie Paris, Alexia McIntosh, Aimie Atkinson, and Maiya Quansah-Breed—have all been summoned back for a filmed version, which is rare for musicals that transition to screen. Typically, we see an array of Hollywood faces slip into roles originated by stage performers. Not so here. In a move that nods to fans and purists alike, the producers have kept the cast that helped turn SIX THE MUSICAL into a cultural milestone.
This cinematic adaptation isn’t just about transferring a stage production to a wider format. The show has been directed for film by Liz Clare, working with a producing team led by Kenny Wax, Wendy and Andy Barnes, George Stiles, and Dione Orrom. Add to that the blessings (and creative oversight) of the show’s original team—Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss—and you have an unprecedented synergy that might just convince even the most sceptical theatre connoisseur. If you’re still unsure whether the dazzle of live theatre can hold its own in a cinema, the enormous success of several recent filmed musicals, from HAMILTON to LES MISÉRABLES, should quell your fears. We’ve seen how eagerly theatregoers flock to big screens when the production promises authenticity.
Reclaiming History Through Song
The genius behind SIX THE MUSICAL lies in its reframing of Tudor history. Rather than presenting Henry VIII’s wives as footnotes to the saga of a monarch notorious for beheadings and divorces, the story recasts the queens as the protagonists. Their individual journeys are set to a sassy, pop-infused score that echoes modern chart-toppers. Each queen gets her moment to shine, from Ex-Wives to other feisty anthems, exploring heartbreak, ambition, betrayal, and camaraderie in ways that feel timeless.
If you think about it, there’s a strange irony in giving these historical women pop divas’ voices. It’s as though the show is reclaiming centuries of overlooked narratives, presenting them with an unapologetically 21st-century vibe. That fresh perspective is what first propelled the musical to mainstream popularity at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017. It’s also what’s kept it relevant, leading to sold-out runs in London, on Broadway, and beyond.
Original Queens Return To Reign
One of the biggest coups of this cinematic release is the return of the original six women who wowed West End audiences. Jarnéia Richard-Noel as Catherine of Aragon, Millie O’Connell as Anne Boleyn, Natalie Paris as Jane Seymour, Alexia McIntosh as Anna of Cleves, Aimie Atkinson as Katherine Howard, and Maiya Quansah-Breed as Catherine Parr all reprise their roles, a decision sure to please fans. In theatre, there’s nothing quite like the chemistry of a cast that already knows how to bounce off one another. You can sense the synergy when they break into a dance number or belt out a group harmony. Preserving that chemistry on film can be tricky, but having the original cast on board increases the odds that the final product will pop.
In statements released ahead of the cinema run, creators Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss said they were overjoyed to have the entire original team back in action. Given that these queens essentially set the tone for subsequent casts in multiple territories, including those in Australia, it’s thrilling to think this film will immortalise their performances for posterity. Fans who’ve known and loved the show since the days when it was just a quirky newcomer at the Fringe can now see—and hear—those iconic performances at their local cinema. And for the rest of us? It’s a chance to witness exactly why these six performers sparked a global phenomenon.
A Peek Behind The Production Curtain
While musicals have been filmed for cinema before, a release of this scale, with this level of creative continuity from stage to screen, is quite special. Executive Vice President of Universal Pictures Content Group Helen Parker noted her excitement at the chance to bring the “theatrical event cinema model” to new audiences, calling out the team’s history of working with legendary musical theatre producers like Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Stephen Schwartz. The comparison is apt—SIX THE MUSICAL now stands confidently among those revered names, bridging the gap between high-octane pop concert and comedic retelling of historical events.
Filmed stage productions carry challenges unique to their medium. Where a live performance can rely on the energy in the theatre, the film must ensure that energy still crackles through the screen. The direction by Liz Clare is crucial here. Early glimpses and the brand-new trailer hint at close-up camera work that highlights micro-expressions you’d never see from the back row of a theatre, combined with dynamic wide shots that preserve the show’s choreographic flair. If done right, it can feel like you have the best seat in the house, no matter where you’re seated in the cinema.
Audience Participation Lives On
What sets SIX THE MUSICAL apart in live performance—and what might translate intriguingly onto film—is the audience’s role. The show is short, sharp, and undeniably interactive, often encouraging fans to clap, sing along, and immerse themselves in each queen’s story. When I saw it on stage, I was struck by how quickly the theatre turned into a pseudo-pop concert, with audience members cheering as though they were at a favourite band’s gig.
Now, that spontaneity can’t be entirely replicated in a cinema setting, but there’s a chance the film might still give a nod to that collective spirit. Helen Parker teased that U.K. cinema-goers will have the chance to “sing their hearts out,” which leads me to believe the screenings might be official or unofficial “sing-alongs” in the tradition of other filmed musicals. Don’t be surprised if you see fellow theatregoers mouthing the words to Ex-Wives or Get Down as the film unfolds. For theatre fans used to the hush-hush environment of a typical cinema, this could be an exhilarating, if slightly unorthodox, experience.
When Will Others Get A Look?
For now, the April 6 release date is specific to the U.K., and there’s no official news on U.S. or Australian screenings. Knowing the enthusiasm for SIX in Australia—where touring productions have repeatedly sold out—I suspect a local cinema run won’t be far behind. After all, we Aussies have a well-known appetite for musicals, particularly those that pair historical narrative with contemporary flair. Perhaps if the U.K. run proves successful, we’ll see an announcement soon. It’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for any updates, especially if you’re the type who refuses to wait for a streaming release.
Crowning The Future Of Theatre
The rise of filmed musicals in cinemas isn’t simply a fad. It’s a testament to how theatre continues to evolve, especially in an era where streaming services are hungry for exclusive content. For fans who may never have the resources to jet off to London’s West End or Broadway, these cinematic offerings serve as an equaliser, allowing them to partake in the magic on a larger scale. That’s a boon not only for ticket sales but for the entire industry: more viewers being exposed to musicals often translates into more live theatre attendance down the line.
For Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this cinematic release is a fresh chapter in an already riveting success story, and they sound positively giddy about it. They’ve expressed gratitude for being able to reconnect with the “exceptionally talented and iconic original West End queens,” and their hope that people find as much joy in viewing SIX THE MUSICAL LIVE! as they found in creating it. If their track record is any indication, the film is set to be as cheeky, empowering, and toe-tapping as the stage version.
We’re living in a remarkable era for musicals. The line between stage and screen is blurring, allowing theatre lovers new avenues to celebrate the art form. SIX THE MUSICAL LIVE! epitomises this shift—melding the immediate spark of a live show with the widescreen wonder of cinema. If you’ve followed this unstoppable phenomenon from its beginnings or have simply been hearing whispers about these six Tudor queens belting pop anthems, there’s no better time to jump in.
After all, theatre is about reimagining stories in ever more inclusive, enthralling ways. And when a production as innovative and infectiously fun as SIX gets preserved on film, it’s the perfect reminder that live performance may change shape but never loses its soul. From the hush of the cinema to the echo of the final note, these queens are here to stay. So gather your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and prepare to take part in a slice of theatre history—on the big screen, no less. That, my fellow theatregoers, is an invitation few would dare to refuse.
