Deirdre Khoo returns to Newcastle in SIX The Musical

Fresh off a vibrant tour that’s taken her across Australia and New Zealand, actor and singer Deirdre Khoo is back in Newcastle, this time donning a crown as Anne Boleyn in the smash-hit production of SIX the Musical. 

The high-energy pop concert-style retelling of Henry VIII’s six wives lands at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre this month, marking the final stop in a whirlwind run.

Khoo, who previously appeared as Janet in The Rocky Horror Show in 2024, is thrilled to return to the city, and this time, in much better health.

“I was quite sick for the Newcastle leg of the Rocky Horror season,” she recalls. 

“So I didn’t get to really explore Newcastle the way I’d hoped. 

“This time, I made a point to take the train up from Sydney and the views out the window all the way to Newcastle were absolutely breathtaking.”

Now based just a short walk from the Civic, Khoo has wasted no time revisiting her favourite Newcastle spots. 

“I love The Press Book House.

It’s my go-to when I need to take a moment with a good coffee and a book,” she says. 

“And of course, walking along Honeysuckle, that whole harbour strip is just beautiful.”

Though Newcastle is the final stop of this iteration of the SIX tour, Khoo is fired up about the final performances and the powerhouse role she’s embodying.

“Playing Anne Boleyn is wild,” she says. 

“She’s probably the most infamous of the six queens.

“What I love is how SIX lets us reclaim these historical women’s voices.

“The writers, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss have honoured the known historical facts, but let us bring so much of ourselves to the roles too.”

Khoo affectionately describes Anne as a “chaos goblin” her interpretation taking cues from the rebellious, punk-pop energy apparently inspired by Avril Lavigne. 

“There’s this idea in the show that Anne was vilified for her sexuality and her ambition, so I really lean into that. 

“She doesn’t care what people think, she owns it and it’s liberating.”

As the show builds to its climactic pop anthem, ‘Six’, Khoo says audiences are often left both elated and reflective.

“It starts as a competition between the women and who had it worse as Henry’s wife, but by the end, it’s about empowerment. 

“We’re saying: own your story and reclaim it.”

It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans of all ages, particularly younger audiences. 

“This show connects so strongly with people. It’s history, yes, but it’s also a massive pop concert!

“We dance, we sing, we don’t stop for 80 minutes.

“It’s physically intense but so rewarding.”

With only Mondays off during the week, Khoo and the cast are hoping to sneak in a few Newcastle experiences, from cocktails, to ocean swims to a possible day trip to the Hunter Valley. 

“We’ve heard cocktails with views from the QT and Crystalbrook rooftops are a must.

“And I brought my swimmers this time, so fingers crossed for a dip in the famous ocean baths!”

As for what she hopes local audiences will take away?

“First and foremost I want the audience to have fun. 

“But also, let it make you think.

“These women’s stories have been told by men for 500 years. 

“Now, they’re being retold by women, for everyone and that’s powerful.”

SIX the Musical opens this week at the Civic Theatre Newcastle, with previews already begun and the official opening night on Saturday. 

SIX The Musical is playing now at Civic Theatre, Newcastle. Visit the website to book your tickets.

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Story by Laura Jackel.