SIX: Henry's Wives on Stage

When I saw that the musical Six was making its North American premiere in Chicago, a mere 90 minutes from my home, I was quick to get in line for tickets. For those who haven't heard of it, Six is a musical blend of history (ahem, herstory), pop music, and comedy featuring Henry VIII's wives. I had listened to the soundtrack before attending but was still surprised by some of what we saw on stage at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

As you can see from the show poster, the costumes are not precisely accurate to the 16th century. Think Tudor meets the 80s, and you've probably got it pictured quite well. Other than a hint of Greensleeves, the music is also more reminiscent of Brittany Spears than Thomas Tallis. So, yeah, anachronisms abound, but wow is it FUN!

Six is no Les Mis, but there are some surprisingly touching moments. Who doesn't feel sympathy for Katherine of Aragon when she is in kneeling before a cross begging Henry to tell her one thing she did wrong? Or wish for another option for Katherine Parr when she tells Thomas Seymour that she has to marry the king instead, claiming "I don't need your love"? Those moments I expected. I was not prepared for Katherine Howard to break down sobbing after her song started with, "I think we can all agree, I'm the 10 amongst these 3s!" It began fun & flirty, but ended with her feeling used and abused, and, of course, headed to the scaffold.

Henry's wives break as many modern rules of theatre as they did 16th century marriage rules. The audience is invited to participate and cheer for the wife they believe got the shortest end of the stick from Henry. (Does beheading trump abandonment after 24 years? AB & KH think so.) The music is a bit shallow but includes loads of historical puns and jokes for those who catch them. Sometimes, it's a titch too silly. (I'm looking at you "Haus of Holbein.") At the end, the wives decide to tell their own stories, or what they wish they had been. Only Jane dreams of a home full of little Tudor babies with her beloved Henry.

Some won't appreciate the way Anne Boleyn is portrayed as more of a teenage floozy than an early feminist when she sings, "Sorry, not sorry, bout what I said. I'm just trying to have some fun. Don't worry, don't worry. Don't lose your head. I didn't mean to hurt anyone." Her costume has an ironic Catholic schoolgirl look to it. She's irreverent and hilarious.

Most pleasantly surprising was Anna of Cleves, who is bold, confident, and forced to admit that there's no way she can win the worst treated wife competition. Her "Get Down" where she brags about her sweet annulment settlement was probably my favorite part of the show. "I look more rad than Lutheranism. Dance so hard that I'm causin a sensation. Okay ladies, let's get in reformation." Yes, I said it. Anna of Cleves was the best part of the show. Who knew? (Well, Anna did.)

Six may be trying to be the UK's answer to Hamilton, but, much as I loved the show, it is not quite there. Hamilton packs a greater emotional and musical punch, but I highly recommend Six as well. And, hey, the tickets are MUCH cheaper.

My 17-year-old daughter and I loved it. My husband said he almost leaned over to ask if we were at the right show, so you'll have to make your own judgement. At the end of the show, the audience was encouraged - yes, encouraged(!) - to take pictures and video, so here's a little sampler for you from the Chicago cast.

The Charming Side of Charles V

I am excited to introduce you to my guest today! Heather Darsie has written an in-depth biography on Anna of Cleves that explores all the questions Tudor enthusiasts have about the wife who became known as the King's Beloved Sister. Katherine Parr may often take the title of the wife who survived, but Anna also outlived Henry VIII and was close to Queen Mary, despite their differences in faith. This excerpt will leave you wanting to read more about this Tudor queen who is often left in the background of Henry's scandalous life. Anna Duchess of Cleves: The King's 'Beloved Sister' is available now in the UK and can be pre-ordered in the US. Welcome, Heather!

~ Samantha

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Guest Post by Heather Darsie

While researching for Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King’s ‘Beloved Sister’, I came across a couple anecdotes about Charles V’s character. I envisioned him before I started writing Anna, Duchess of Cleves as someone who was very stiff and did not relate well to his sisters. During the negotiations which led to the Truce of Nice between France and the Holy Roman Empire, Charles V had the chance to meet with his older sister Eleanor. Eleanor married Francis I of France on 4 July 1530 as part of The Ladies’ Peace of 1529. I was charmed to learn of the very human meeting between Charles and Eleanor in June 1538. Enjoy!

Excerpt from Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King’s ‘Beloved Sister’

“Charles V set out from Spain to Nice in April 1538…Francis arrived a few days later, bringing Queen Eleanor, Charles’s sister, with him….The displays of wealth and grandeur shown by these envoys and their hosts are reminiscent of the gorgeous festivities at the Field of Cloth of Gold, the meeting between Francis I and Henry VIII in 1520….. For a time, French envoys went to the Imperial court, Imperial envoys went to the French court, and both went to the Papal court.… Queen Eleanor herself went to visit the Pope on 7 June. Charles returned to the Pope on 8 June…. Queen Eleanor went to visit her brother Charles on 10 June. She was received in as grand a fashion as the Emperor could muster. Linen awnings were set up outside the palace to protect his sister and her court from the late-spring Nice sunlight. Eleanor was arriving by ship, with both the French and Spanish-Imperial ships saluting each other and discharging celebratory rounds from their guns.

Once Eleanor and her court landed, Charles ‘advanced a few steps, stretched his hand to his sister, and when on the pier embraced and kissed her most affectionately, his countenance beaming with joy’. Charles and Eleanor spent such a long while there that a great crowd gathered on the pier, which ‘suddenly gave way and all were precipitated into the sea, though in very shallow water, so that no one received any injury’. Charles himself fell into the water, grabbing his sister’s hand and causing her to fall in. The sea carried away Charles’s cap. Charles and Eleanor recovered themselves and laughed about their dip, and how ridiculous the ladies looked in their wet gowns. Once at the palace, Charles ordered that a new gown be provided for Eleanor, but some of her ladies were faced with the prospect of wearing breeches, as that was the only dry clothing available.” 

- Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King’s ‘Beloved Sister’, pages 58-59.

Connect with Heather and get the book!

Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King’s ‘Beloved Sister’ is available now at Amazon UK and available for pre-order on Amazon US. Connect with Heather on Twitter or at Maidens and Manuscripts. For most great posts on Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King’s ‘Beloved Sister’ check out the blog schedule below.