SIX IN THE CITY: meet the pop queens coming to Canberra

Posted on 24 February, 2022

International smash-hit pop musical SIX is coming to Canberra in April—bringing with it a modern take on the tale of the six wives of Henry VIII and an electrifying, high-octane journey as these Tudor Queens turned Pop Princesses take to the mic to reclaim their story.

The six Queens are set against the theatrical backdrop of a pop concert, and battle it out to be the lead singer in their band. Each having their moment in the stoplight, it’s a catchy way to brush up on history while also keeping “girl power” at the fore—where it should be.

And to celebrate the arrival of this theatrical masterpiece—which debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is now playing to rave reviews everywhere from the West End to Broadway—HerCanberra wants to provide a proper introduction to each of the characters.

Consider it our way to introduce you to the Queens and our way of introducing the Queens to Canberra.

Catherine of Aragon

Catherine of Aragon is a paragon of royalty and her “queenspirations” include Beyoncé and Shakira. Determined and self-assured, she was born to wear a crown. Catherine was steadfast throughout her 24-year marriage to Henry (although it does not end well) and her legendary speech at the court investigation into her marriage was a showstopper.

If Catherine were to find herself in Canberra she would likely be drawn to a luxury retail experience at Blissiimo Emporio Fragrance & Tea Salon, or enjoying the natural beauty of the Arboretum before hitting fine-dining fixture Brunello for a Spanish-inspired meal. Then she would be heading around the corner to the Canberra Theatre to prepare for her performance in SIX.

Catherine of Aragon

Spanish-inspired Brunello would appeal to Catherine of Aragon’s tastebuds

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn’s queenspirations include Lily Allen and Avril Lavigne. A true maverick, she dances to her own tune—think rock, punk and quirk. Anne Boleyn was regarded as a rebel in her time, who was not afraid to provoke or be unconventional. She wore French fashion and resisted the king’s advances while he was still married (to Catherine).

One of Anne Boleyn’s mottos was, “let them grumble; that is how it’s going to be”… or “sorry not sorry”, as Demi Lovato says. If you’re searching for Anne, think live music venues like the newly re-opened Transit Bar, well-worn local haunts like Tilley’s, and indie brunch spots like Church. But there is no better live music than when she gets on stage in SIX.

Anne Boylen

Tilley’s is the sort of place Anne Boylen would hang out at

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour is the ‘only one he truly loved’ and her queenspirations include Adele and Sia. Loyal and grounded, Seymour speaks from the heart. People sometimes underestimate her but her warm demeanour masks a pillar of strength. Jane Seymour may have been a dutiful wife but she also used her calming influence to effect a reconciliation between the king and his daughter Mary.

Jane likes family-friendly activities, like a stroll through the Haig Park Village Markets, grabbing brunch at Local Press and moving on to casual cocktails at Verity Lane when the sun goes down. After sampling the delights at Verity Lane, it’s time for her to head over to the Canberra Theatre to join the other queens for her live performance in SIX.

Jane Seymour

When not on stage performing SIX Jane Seymour would likely be found soaking up the food and cocktails at Verity Lane

Anna of Cleves

Anna of Cleves’ queenspirations include Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna. Anna may have been rejected by Henry VIII but she came into her own once they’d divorced, using her independent status and money to enjoy life on her own terms.

She loves anything by artists who are as unique she is and you’d likely bump into her perusing the collection at the National Portrait Gallery, taking in a hatted meal at Aubergine or cutting loose at a high-octane adventure tourism activity involving one of Canberra’s hot air balloons—as long a she makes it back down to the ground to prepare for her performance in SIX.

Anne of Cleves

When Anne of Cleves goes sightseeing in Canberra, hot air ballooning is her prefered method of transport. Photo: Photox – Canberra Photography Services

Katherine Howard

Katherine Howard is playful and unguarded and her queenspirations include Ariana Grande and Britney Spears. Katherine is inspired by contemporary pop starlets who own their identity and want to change the way women are perceived.

She would be a keen candidate for working on her fitness at a Subsdance dance class, or painting the town pink at Molly’s hidden speakeasy. Otherwise she’ll be taking in live music at Sideway while still having plenty of energy left for her evening performance in SIX.

Katherine Howard

Molly has the sort of vibe that Katherine Howard likes to soak up. Image via Facebook

Catherine Parr

Catherine Parr is the sixth wife and the survivor: Her queenspirations include Alicia Keys and Emeli Sande. Intelligent, genuine and down to earth, Parr is a force to be reckoned with. Catherine had to give up the man she loved when Henry VIII decided to marry her and devoted her time as queen to being a good stepmother, supporting the reformation and promoting female education.

A trailblazer, she was the first woman in England to write and publish a book under her own name. Of course, you would find Parr amongst the aisles at the Australian National Library or buying up big at Muse before going to support local business with a spot of retail therapy at Pop Canberra. Then it’s back to join the other queens at the Canberra Theatre for their high-octane pop performances in SIX.

Catherine Parr

Taking a break from the high-octane performance of SIX, Muse provides a space for Catherine Parr to wind down

Don’t miss your chance to meet the six Queens when they take to the Canberra Theatre stage from 23 April. You can read all about Six the Musical here, and book tickets here.

Credit: James D Morgan/Getty Images.