Universally beloved for its unforgettable songs and its sassy, irreverent, campy tone, SIX: The Musical follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take back their stories and offer a rewritten version of history as you’ve never seen it before. Caitlyn De Kuyper plays Katherine Howard - girlish, naïve, and tragically wronged by the men around her. London Box Office caught up with Caitlyn to hear her thoughts on taking on this iconic role and what she loves best about being a part of the SIX family.
Caitlyn De Kuyper as Katherine Howard in SIX: THE MUSICAL. Photo by Pamela Raith.
SIX has truly become a global phenomenon - how does it feel being part of such a talked-about show with such a dedicated fan base? What have the highlights been, and also the challenges, if any?
It is truly something that I am still processing, the response from audiences night after night is so rewarding as an actor. I find that this show is so incredibly special, as no matter how the show begins, whether the audience is incredibly quiet and new to theatre, or we’re a little extra tired on a Sunday matinee show, both the audience and I finish feeling so full and joyful. You can tell that people just absolutely love this show, and it’s so cool being a part of delivering that. My biggest highlight was my first sing-along show last week; the energy in that theatre was truly electric. I’ve never ever experienced a room like that before and had a few moments where I got super emotional up there seeing and feeling just how much this show is loved and how much I love doing this as my work.
I'm finding balancing work and social life challenging. This is my first on land, 8 show a week contract, and so I’m still learning the ropes of how to fuel my soul and mind while also feeling strong and healthy to perform every night.
It must be both thrilling and intimidating to step into the shoes of a character who’s been played by a range of different actresses - how did you go about learning from past performances while also making the role your own?
I think the brilliant thing about the Queens is that no two people who have played the same role will be the same. Their tones are different, their accents are different, and their interpretation of the Queen will be slightly different. And so I use that as inspiration to really trust that what I bring to her is unique and fully dive into her as a person in this SIX world.
Katherine is one of my favourite queens - she’s such a tragic figure under all that pep and sass. What’s been your favourite thing about playing her and what is it about her character that you think resonates so much with people?
My favourite thing about playing Katherine Howard would be delivering such an impactful and important story to audiences every night. The devastating events that happened to Katherine are events that are still happening now, and I feel so protective about her legacy in delivering justice to her story. From what we know, she was a very kind, intelligent girl who never had anyone protecting her, so I love giving her the power to stand in her glory and having a voice. Being objectified, misogyny, SA are all issues that we’re still fighting today, and so I think audiences feel the realness and sadness of what she went through as unfortunately, parts of her story are a story we’ve all heard before.
What’s your favourite musical number in the show?
I’d have to say it’s ‘No Way’ as I just absolutely LOVE Carrie-Anne's choreography for it. So groovy, sassy, Latin inspired, in the ground, backing up our girl Aragon, giving Henry some sass, just great!
What do you think it is about SIX that makes the show so timelessly beloved and popular?
I think it’s the fact that it’s six fem presenting humans holding such an incredibly powerful space while also loving each other. There’s literally nothing else like it, it’s so unique and manages to attract all types of people and age groups. I think the fierceness of the Queens is also so clever, as it feels like you’re coming to watch your favourite pop star band or artist and who doesn't love a concert! Also, the audiences are so included and such an important part of this show which I think makes people feel seen and loved.
I recently listened to (and loved!) the new track ‘My Girls’, which celebrates the friendship between the queens. Tell us about your relationship with your fellow queens.
I absolutely love my fellow Queenies, we have so much fun up there and if it wasn’t for them, I’d truly be struggling to keep the enthusiasm alive as much as we do! It’s never an off show with them, we have so many laughs and little inside looks that make me smile. We always do our little pre show chant and I feel so safe up there with them. The best!
If you could play any other queen, who would you most want to play and why?
I’d love to play Catherine Parr! I just love her story and the way she changed history for women. I would find it so empowering to tell her story in front of audiences every night, not to mention her songs! Dreamy.
And finally, why should people come watch Six?
Because no matter what age you are, what your political stance is, you will leave feeling lighter and happier than you did before you arrive, I can promise you that. It truly is a show that ticks every box in my opinion, and especially for English audiences, is something to be so proud of!
SIX: The Musical is currently playing at the Vaudeville Theatre.
