The Six

While much has been written over the years of the six wives of Henry the VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr.  I didn’t realize that the phrase, “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived" could so succinctly summarize their respective fates.

That changed when my wife and I recently took in a performance of The Six, a musical theatre adaptation which explains the relationship each of these women had to their husband and their role in the history of England, the world beyond, and in some instances to each other. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the biographies of these women, here’s a short summary.

Catherine of Aragon - marriage was annulled after 24 years for failing to produce a male heir. 

Anne Boleyn - executed for treason and adultery after giving birth to a daughter. 

Jane Seymour - gave birth to the longed-for son and heir to the British throne but died from complications after childbirth. 

Anne of Cleves marriage annulled within six months because the king was disappointed with her appearance. 

Catherine Howard - beheaded for adultery. 

Catherine Parr - was Henry’s final wife and outlived him

If you have the opportunity to attend a performance of The Six, I highly recommend this fast paced, musical that portrays a period in world history in a lively, entertaining fashion.