City of Newcastle will be rolling out the red carpet for a much-anticipated royal visit next year, with global phenomenon SIX The Musical set for a three-week reign at the Civic Theatre.
Since debuting on the West End in 2019, global audiences have been losing their heads for the fast-paced, award-winning production, which tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII as they step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace in the royal box overlooking the stage, where the SIX Queens will make their Newcastle debut in 2025.
The Australian production is currently playing in Melbourne as part of a national tour. SIX will make its first Australian appearance outside of a capital city with an extended run in Newcastle from 10 April, 2025.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said SIX will be the crowning glory for the Civic Theatre's growing national reputation, providing a cultural, economic and tourism boost to the city.
"Enjoyed by more than 3.5 million worldwide each year, this spectacular production is a major coup secured by City of Newcastle," Cr Nelmes said.
"The show is a cultural sensation, with over 32 million views on TikTok alone and a combined streaming figure of over one billion.
"The success of Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show, which both broke box office records at the Civic Theatre, clearly demonstrates the demand for high quality, touring productions.
"There's no doubt this will continue with SIX The Musical, which will be the hottest ticket in town when it hits the stage in Newcastle next year.
"Major events are a clear economic driver for our city. By attracting such high calibre shows, the Civic Theatre provides a significant drawcard that delivers considerable benefits for Newcastle's visitor economy."
Tickets for the three-week season will be available to buy later this month, with keen fans encouraged to sign up to the waitlist via civictheatrenewcastle.com.au to secure pre-sale access.
Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this modern pop-inspired musical brings to life the historical figures of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right.
Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said they were thrilled to be bringing this innovative and influential musical to Newcastle.
"SIX is truly a global phenomenon and in Australia has enjoyed rapturous acclaim by both critics and audiences alike," Ms Withers said.
"We are beyond thrilled that SIX will be coming to Newcastle and we look forward to making more fans and breaking more records when we arrive there in 2025!"
SIX has won 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, and a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.
The musical has garnered international recognition with productions in Australia, Canada, the United States, Europe and South Korea. New productions have also been announced in Singapore, the Philippines and Japan.
SIX will be on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle from 10 April to 4 May 2025. Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
