Olivier's Series: Henry VIII's SIX Queens

SIX has been nominated for five Olivier Awards!

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss' SIX has certainly taken the UK by storm. With an extended run at the Arts Theatre and five Olivier nominations (including the nomination for Best New Musical) to its name, SIX has brought one of the most famous series of events of Tudor history into the light and given it an almighty revamp. But, who were Henry VIII's six Queens?

Catherine of Aragon

Originally married to Henry's brother, Arthur, Catherine of Aragon was Henry's longest-serving (and suffering) Queen. Married to Henry VIII for almost 25 years Aragon was seemingly tossed aside for the hotter and younger Anne Boleyn after she couldn't produce him a son and heir. Catherine had borne Henry a son but unfortunately, he passed away when he was 52 days old. Catherine did produce Henry an heir (although he would never know about it) in the shape of Mary I who was the first Queen of England and Ireland and reigned for five years.

Aragon served as regent for six months whilst Henry was away in France in which time she oversaw an English victory over Scotland in the Battle of Flodden! Go, Catherine!

When her marriage to Henry ended in 1533 Aragon spent the remainder of her days at Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire.

Anne Boleyn

As Henry's most famous wife poor Anne didn't have the best of times, or the brightest of endings, with the famous Tudor King. The cause of England breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church and the subsequent formation of the Church of England Anne Boleyn continues to be the subject of much fascination.

Although Anne and Henry courted for almost seven years the pair were only married for three before Henry had her brought under investigation for high treason. It seems like the restless King once again got bored when no son and heir was forthcoming. After being found guilty for adultery, incest and plotting against the King (most likely all untrue) Anne was beheaded on the 19 May 1536.

Anne did give birth to Elizabeth I who became one of the UK's most powerful and famous Queens.

Jane Seymour

Henry's third wife finally gave Henry what he always wanted, a living son. Seymour was praised for her gentle and peaceful personality and is reported to be Henry's most favoured wife. Unfortunately, Jane didn't get to see her little boy grow up and died just two weeks after giving birth. However, Jane was the only one of Henry's Queen's to receive a Queen's funeral and was the wife who Henry chose to be buried with upon his own death in 1547.

Anne of Cleves

The last three wives of Henry VIII are famously less well known than their predecessors. However, Anne of Cleves was probably one of the happiest. Although they were only married for six months Cleves and Henry's annulment was a happy one. Anne happily gave up her marriage and queendom which resulted in her and Henry becoming close friends. Anne lived out the rest of her days as one of Henry's most favoured courtiers and an honorary family member being known as "the King's Beloved Sister".

Catherine Howard

Poor Catherine Howard, Henry VIII's fourth wife, matched the same end as her cousin Anne Boleyn. Catherine's life had been turbulent, repeatedly molested by her music teacher when she was a child Howard grew up to be embroiled in many extramarital affairs, although if any were consensual is still unclear.

When Catherine married Henry it was rumoured that she soon started a relationship with a courtier, Thomas Culpeper. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, used the rumours of this affair to weaken Catherine's uncle's (The Duke of Norfolk) power in court and began a campaign to get rid of Catherine. Catherine was beheaded in 1542 when she was about 19 years old.

Catherine Parr

Henry's last and surviving wife Catherine Parr saw the King through his final years before he died in 1547. During her marriage to Henry Catherine faced a plot to get rid of her by some anti-protestant officials. They continually tried to turn the King against her and even drew up a warrant for her arrest, fortunately, Catherine outwitted them all and reconciled with Henry, escaping a gruesome end.

After Henry died Catherine married her beloved Tomas Seymour (a man who she began a romantic relationship with before she married Henry), unfortunately, their reunion was shortlived as Parr passed away in the September of 1548 after giving birth to her only child, Mary.

It's safe to say that most of Henry VIII's wives didn't have the most of joyous of times as the King's Queen. With history mainly focussing upon Henry VIII himself, most of these Queens have passed through time without much fuss. But! SIX is here to bring these women's stories out into the light and turn history into HER-story!

You can book your tickets to SIX here.