Get Ready for the Tudor Takeover

We’ve seen filmed stage musicals do well in cinemas before, though typically those events are one-off or limited weekend showings for devoted fans. But with the newly added screening dates for SIX THE MUSICAL—6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27 and 28 April—the organisers are clearly counting on a tidal wave of enthusiasm. A survey from a prominent arts publication (ahem, let’s call it “ours”) revealed that filmed musicals in cinema formats have been consistently drawing larger crowds, with an estimated 35 per cent surge in attendance over the last five years. That’s not just super-fans wearing homemade crowns and glittering capes: it’s entire families, couples on dates, and even the odd “I’m not usually into musicals” type who finds themselves foot-tapping in the dark.

The question isn’t whether it will find an audience—it’s how many times that audience will return for an encore. After all, SIX THE MUSICAL has already reached over 3.5 million viewers worldwide since it took its first bow in 2017 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show’s catchy pop-inspired tunes and incisive wit have catapulted it into global phenomenon territory, so it’s only fitting that it receives a big-screen stage of its own. This sense of event—of must-see, must-experience, must-discuss—has turned the release into something of a cinematic holiday for die-hard fans. Dare I say it, we might be witnessing the birth of a new tradition: cinema-based sing-alongs with crowns, glitter, and plenty of comedic banter.

Meet The Queens In All Their Regal Glory

One of the major draws of this filmed version is that it features the show’s original West End cast, the very same performers who catalysed the SIX THE MUSICAL mania. Picture this: Jarnéia Richard-Noel commanding the spotlight as Catherine of Aragon, Millie O’Connell bringing a cheeky bounce to Anne Boleyn, Natalie Paris melting hearts as Jane Seymour, Alexia McIntosh giving us that fierce Anna of Cleves realness, Aimie Atkinson as the flirty yet vulnerable Katherine Howard, and Maiya Quansah-Breed rounding out the group as the reflective Catherine Parr.

That’s the dream team that propelled the show to unstoppable momentum in the West End, and now their combined star power will be immortalised on cinema screens. If you missed their legendary run in person, this film is your second chance to relish every pop-infused belt and comedic aside. And if you’ve seen them live, well, let’s just say the high-definition close-ups will capture the subtle nuances and playful winks you might have missed in the theatre balcony.

Inside Scoop on the Cinematic Production

While Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss originally wrote SIX THE MUSICAL and co-directed its stage version with Jamie Armitage, the film version sees Liz Clare step in to translate that theatrical magic to the big screen. Filmed at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, the cameras track each footstep and side glance, ensuring the show’s vibrancy leaps off the stage and into your lap (or popcorn, as the case may be). There’s a thrill in seeing a massive close-up of a comedic eye-roll that might otherwise be missed from the upper circle.

For those who find themselves humming along, you’ll be glad to know the band, aptly named the Ladies in Waiting, also appears in full force. No background track for these queens—they’re accompanied by live musicians who bring modern pop flair to the score’s historically inspired references. This synergy of onstage band and commanding vocals is one of the show’s unique hallmarks. And with Universal Pictures Content Group (UPCG) stepping in to distribute and promote, we can safely expect a nationwide blowout. They’ve previously collaborated on cinema releases for musicals like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables: The Staged Concert, so they know a thing or two about orchestrating a theatrical spectacle on film.

A Parallel with History

One detail that often slips under the radar is the show’s uncanny mirroring of modern stardom. We might think of Henry VIII’s wives as distant historical figures, but the pop concert framework reveals something truly interesting: just as contemporary pop stars compete for streams, chart positions, and tabloid attention, these Tudor queens once vied for the king’s approval. The parallels with modern media culture—fame, heartbreak, and reinvention—are woven so deftly into the story that you might find yourself seeing your favourite pop icons in a whole new light.

Moreover, the transformation of historical tragedy into a comedic, empowering spectacle brings a modern twist to an old tale. Instead of dwelling on the gloom and doom of being married to a notoriously fickle monarch, the wives step forward and reclaim the narrative. While the show is a tidal wave of comedic brilliance, it also offers a thoughtful commentary on how women’s stories are told. Who gets the final say? Who is defined by whom? These questions linger long after the final confetti canon fires off. And the fact that such profound reflections come wrapped in a pink, glittery concert vibe is nothing short of marvellous.

Where and When to Catch this Royal Bash

If you’re in the UK or Ireland, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Multiple cinema chains—Vue, Cineworld, Odeon, Everyman, and countless independent venues—will be rolling out the purple carpet for your viewing pleasure. Screenings launch on 6 April 2025, with the newly confirmed slots spanning the entire month of April. Whichever date you pick, be prepared for a communal experience like no other. There’s a unique joy in hearing an entire audience crack up at the same sassy lyric or collectively gasp when the queens unite in harmonies that could rattle the rafters.

The best way to secure your seat is by visiting SIXTheMusicalLive.co.uk. It’s a tidy one-stop shop where you can lock in the date that works best for you and your band of fellow theatre-lovers. While the official release schedule currently focuses on the UK and Ireland, word on the theatre grapevine is that international dates will follow. Historically, a show with this much traction rarely stays confined to one corner of the globe for long.

The Growing Legend Of SIX

The unstoppable rise of SIX THE MUSICAL also speaks to the collaborative efforts of its producers—Kenny Wax, Wendy and Andy Barnes, George Stiles, and Dione Orrom—who believed in the project when it was nothing more than a Fringe dream. Since those early days, it has expanded into multiple productions spanning the West End, Broadway, and touring companies, captivating everyone from unsuspecting theatre rookies to seasoned critics.

But what might surprise you is the way the show became a rallying point for new audiences who once viewed theatre as stodgy or inaccessible. According to box office data from the West End, a significant chunk of ticket sales have come from first-time theatre-goers, especially younger fans who see a reflection of modern pop culture in the queens’ costumes, choreography, and jargon. Each queen’s style resonates with a different pop star archetype—think Britney, Beyoncé, or Rihanna—which helps broaden the show’s appeal. This inclusive approach is part of what has turned SIX THE MUSICAL into such a beloved juggernaut.

Bowing Out with a Crown Worthy Finale

So here’s the moral of the story, dear readers: if you’ve been waiting for an invitation to join the Six mania, consider this your engraved, royal decree. With multiple dates scattered across April, easy-to-book tickets, and the original West End queens at the helm, there’s hardly an excuse to miss out. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre junkie or simply curious about the hype, this cinematic event promises all the frenzy of a sold-out pop concert blended with the warmth of a Sunday matinee crowd.

Just be warned: after witnessing these six charismatic queens reclaim their herstories on a massive screen, you may find yourself belting Ex-Wives in your shower, your car, or perhaps even the checkout queue. That’s the sort of exhilaration that SIX THE MUSICAL has always inspired—a delightful, unabashed desire to celebrate life, love, and the power of owning your own narrative. If Henry VIII were around today, he’d probably be the one queueing up for popcorn. But we no longer need his approval, do we?

Go on. Embrace your inner queen. Don the sparkly headphones, gather your best mates, and get swept up in the mania. After all, if there’s one thing these Tudor rock stars have taught us, it’s that you can shake off the shackles of history and step centre stage, claiming your moment in the spotlight. Trust me: once you’ve seen it, you’ll never again settle for quiet complacency. It’s time to raise your voice, raise your expectations, and raise your crown—long live the Queens of SIX THE MUSICAL.