Ottawa theatre fans who packed the National Arts Centre for Broadway Across Canada's touring production of SIX now have another chance to get their fix, this time from the comfort of a movie theatre. "SIX: The Musical Live," directed by Liz Clare, captures the West End sensation in full pop-concert form, reimagining the six wives of Henry VIII as chart-topping pop stars determined to reclaim their stories from the shadow of their infamous husband.
From the NAC Stage to the Screen
For anyone who saw the touring production when it stopped in Ottawa in 2024, the film offers a chance to relive the show's blend of Spice Girls-style harmonies, Beyoncé-inspired power ballads, and Ariana Grande-esque vocal runs — all in service of retelling the story of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. The concert-film format leans into the show's arena-pop energy, with tight camera work that puts viewers closer to the cast than even the best NAC seats could manage.
Why It Resonated in Ottawa
When SIX played the National Arts Centre, it became one of the hottest tickets in the capital's theatre season, drawing crowds who came in knowing little about the show and left singing its hooks on the walk back to the O-Train. That word-of-mouth buzz is exactly the kind of reaction the filmed version is banking on: for Ottawa theatregoers who missed the NAC run, or who want to relive it, the concert film is a low-effort, high-reward way to catch the show's infectious energy without waiting for the next touring stop. It's also a reminder of how strong Ottawa's appetite for splashy touring musicals has become, with the NAC increasingly landing major Broadway titles before or shortly after their biggest North American runs.
What Makes SIX Work
Part of the show's appeal is its refusal to treat its subjects as footnotes to a king. Each queen gets her own solo number, her own musical influence, and her own chance to argue that she, not Henry, deserves the spotlight. The show culminates in a group number that reframes the entire premise, letting the queens rewrite history on their own terms rather than being remembered only for how their marriages ended. That structure translates well to film, where quick cuts between soloists heighten the competitive, concert-like framing of the story.
Where to Catch It
For Ottawa fans who want the full communal experience, keep an eye on local cinema listings, as concert films like this one often get limited theatrical windows before landing on streaming. Given how quickly SIX sold out its NAC run, a similarly enthusiastic reception at the box office wouldn't be a surprise.
Whether you're a superfan who already knows every harmony or a newcomer curious what the fuss is about, "SIX: The Musical Live" is a solid way to spend an evening — especially for Ottawa audiences still humming the tunes from the NAC stage.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine
