From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse – remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! We sat down with Mary Elliot to discus their upcoming performance.
Making your professional debut in the West End is already remarkable, doing it as an Alternate covering two completely distinct queens is something else entirely; how do you hold both Anne and Katherine in your head at once?
I think the costume really helps, they both feel very different and make me stand and present myself in different ways!
It also helps that there’s only ever 6 people on stage, I can see everyone at all times and the different colours and personalities make it easier.
Boleyn and Howard are linked by history but feel very differently in the show, which of the two did you find your way into first, and which took longer to crack?
I started with Howard which I’m very glad about, within the show Howard definitely holds more depth and journey. Her song is also way longer and more of a vocal challenge. So even though it was tougher to start with, I’m so glad I did learn Howard first.
As an Alternate, you’re stepping in rather than building a run night by night. What does your preparation look like on a day when you know you’re on?
We always have rehearsals and clean up calls through the week to keep on top of everything. But I make sure I’m getting enough sleep and water!
SIX has one of the most devoted fanbases in British musical theatre right now; has that changed how it feels to walk out on that stage?
It’s surreal, it’s such an iconic show and it feels crazy that in another time line it was me watching and being in awe. I feel very lucky to have grown up with it, since I first discovered it at the fringe.
The show makes a clear argument that these women’s stories have been defined by their relationship to one man for far too long. Has spending time with one or both of your queens changed how you think about them personally?
100% I no longer see them through Henry’s eyes. They are not just wives. They are women! They are people and they were so much more than their marriage to Henry. I understand both my queens so much better since learning the show, I see how strong, clever and resilient they were.
What does it feel like to be making your debut in a show with an all-female creative team, cast and band?
Incredible!! I’ve always been inspired by female power, I was raised by some amazing strong women and it was always something I felt aligned with me, it’s why I fell in love with the show in the first place!
Everyone we work with is a unique, talented, beautiful person. It’s a pleasure to be surrounded by such individuals each day.
Tickets for SIX are available here.