Review: SIX at Syrena Theatre

If you follow me on Instagram (here), you know I love capturing a show in three words. But this one? It only needs one: a petard.

One of the most explosive musical sensations has finally landed in Poland, and it’s here to school us all! Six years after its dazzling debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, SIX has arrived, bringing with it six incredible women whose lives were tied together by one infamous husband—Henry VIII.

This one-act show moves faster than a 16th-century guillotine and is just as razor-sharp! Each queen has her own personality, driven by the unique demands of her royal role and her unpredictable husband. Their stories, all written in the shadow of Henry’s actions, reveal the deep fears and frustrations of women whose lives were utterly dependent on a man’s whims. But let’s save the history for a moment—let’s talk about the electricity that’s on stage. Imagine speed-reading a Shakespearean drama on double espresso: it’s pure drama, thrill, and a touch of glorious chaos.

The queens in this show are like the perfect mix of spices—each distinct but coming together to create a deliciously bold blend. Since this is more a concert than a play, the six leads each take center stage, seducing the audience in their own dazzling ways! Catherine of Aragon (Agnieszka Rose) is as wise and regal as a queenly sapphire; Anne Boleyn (Izabela Pawletko) brings a dash of mischief and untamed spirit; Jane Seymour (Marta Budrynowicz) exudes an innocent charm with a heartfelt honesty; Anna of Cleves (Małgorzata Chrusciel) storms the stage with an energy that leaves us breathless; Catherine Howard (Aleksandra Gotowicka) is delicate yet electric, like a sparkler; and Catherine Parr (Natalia Kujawa) cuts through with a wit as sharp as a royal blade. Together, they’re a powerhouse of personality and vocal prowess!

The music by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss is anthemic—get ready to dance, sing, and still be left wanting more! Honestly, the only drawback here is that it’s only one act. Under the direction and choreography of Ewelina Adamska-Porczyk, we’re served a fierce blend of glamour and feminism, all drenched in irresistible energy. Every second is crafted with the precision of a jeweler working on a crown—right down to how the queens manage their mics on and offstage. Those meticulous details allow them to channel every ounce of energy into performances that completely blow the audience away.

This show is like watching your history book explode in glitter, wit, and high-octane action, bolder than even Henry’s wildest mood swings. These queens have voices powerful enough to launch a rebellion—and they wield them with fearless confidence.

Photo: Krzysztof Bielinski