On Wednesday 31st January, the History & Politics Department took our SFC1 & 2 A Level students (with a handful of joyful post-mock IB History students) to see the West End and Broadway hit SIX: The Musical at The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.
‘The Tudors’ unit makes up 40% of the History A-Level, and while our students study topics from across the whole era from Henry VII to Elizabeth I, SIX is a unique opportunity to bring the stories of six brave and courageous women to the fore. Far more than being simply the six wives of Henry VIII, the show shines a spotlight on the life, achievements, fears, and trials and tribulations of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr. The all-female cast and band bring energy and power to the performance, and the underlying message that each woman deserves recognition in her own right is clear from the get-go.
Tudor history has enjoyed something of a resurgence in the last 10 years or so with historical novels, and drama series (of varying historical accuracy) filling the entertainment market. Academic research, debate and new interpretations and views of the time period show the dynamic nature of the study of history and ongoing challenges to the traditional narrative. The show brings the Tudor era to life and allows us to look at the six wives through a radically different and modern lens, and two of our lucky front-row SFC2 were even invited to have a dance with Anne of Cleves!
Ms Kilburn, Head of History and Politics
