It's been almost 40 years since an English Queen last visited Newcastle, but Novocastrians are giving a royal welcome to SIX of history's sassiest for their three-week reign in the city.
The curtains have gone up on the first performances of SIX The Musical this week, with the global phenomenon to grace the stage at the Civic Theatre until 4 May.
(Front row) Cr Jenny Barrie, Australian producer Louise Withers, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Cr Sinead Francis-Coan and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace celebrate the three-week season of SIX The Musical at the Civic Theatre with the SIX Queens (back row).
Theatregoers from across the country are travelling to Newcastle for the 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.
The Australian production has just wrapped up a season in New Zealand after sell-out shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, with Newcastle the first non-capital city included on the national tour.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge welcomed the SIX cast and crew to Newcastle and encouraged everyone to take the chance to see this award-winning show in the iconic surrounds of the Civic Theatre.
"Strong support from audiences have ensured we're receiving ongoing interest from the promoters of live theatre and musical productions, who are keen to add Newcastle to the national touring circuit," Cr Kerridge said.
"This is indicative of support for our thriving live performing arts scene and is a fantastic outcome for theatregoers, who benefit from being able to see these types of productions right here in Newcastle."
Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle's Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said there was a demonstrated demand for international-quality touring productions in Newcastle.
"The historic Civic Theatre has long been a jewel in Newcastle's cultural crown, but there is no doubt during the past few years we've hit a purple patch in attracting world-class productions to Newcastle," Cr Barrie said.
"Theatregoers are coming from every state in Australia and right throughout NSW for the Newcastle season of SIX, which is also attracting new audiences to the Civic Theatre with around 35 per cent of ticket holders first time visitors.
"This clearly highlights the benefit of major events and the importance of attracting productions of this calibre, which deliver a cultural, economic and tourism boost to the city.
"We would like to thank the Producers, Louise Withers, Michael Coppel and Linda Bewick for bringing this first-class, brilliant production to Newcastle."
City of Newcastle Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones, Cr Sinead Francis-Coan, Cr Jenny Barrie, Australian Producer Louise Withers and Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace with the cast members of SIX in Wheeler Place.
SIX The Musical debuted on the West End in 2019 and 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.
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 the musical has been a hit around the world, where it is enjoyed by more than 3.5 million each year.
"SIX is truly a global phenomenon and in Australia has enjoyed rapturous acclaim by both critics and audiences alike," Ms Withers said.
"We are thrilled that SIX has finally made it to Newcastle and we look forward to welcoming our fantastic SIX fans, and the new theatregoers, at the Civic during this exciting three-week season."
SIX will be on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle from 10 April to 4 May 2025. Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
