Trending 6th May 2025 by Stellar Magazine

Alexia McIntosh On SIX the Musical, Sisterhood & Slaying as Anne of Cleves

"Cleves is a queen who slays.”

Since SIX the Musical first burst onto the scene, it’s become a global sensation – part history lesson, part pop concert, and all-out empowerment anthem.

At the heart of its success is the unforgettable Anne of Cleves, played by the electric Alexia McIntosh. As one of the original cast members, Alexia has brought fierce attitude, unforgettable vocals, and pure diva energy to the role since the very beginning.

We were lucky enough to get the chance to catch up with the Birmingham-born star to chat about everything from costume reveals and pre-show rituals to rewriting history with a feminist twist, and what she’d do if she got the chance to duet Get Down with her dream pop stars.

Spoiler: Nicki Minaj is involved.

 

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Since its debut, SIX the Musical has gone from fringe favourite to full-blown global phenomenon. And at the heart of its enduring power is a cast of electric performers rewriting history with every beat drop.

One such queen is Alexia McIntosh, who originated the role of Anne of Cleves and has been dazzling audiences ever since. From the stage to the sisterhood, she is every bit the queen on and off the throne.

“I was one of the last to be cast,” Alexia tells STELLAR recalling the whirlwind start. “My agent rang me and said two uni students had written a musical about Henry VIII’s wives. I didn’t have much backstory, but I went to the audition, sang a bit of Aragon, then tried Get Down. A few days later, I was cast and that was that.”

Get Down, Anne of Cleves’ solo, has become a fan-favourite moment in the show part powerhouse anthem, part full-on spectacle. For Alexia, embodying that royal confidence each night is rooted in both the glam and the grit.

 

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“The costumes help, for sure. But it’s also Anne’s story. She’s the one who came out of it all thriving. She got her palace, her freedom, and lived her best life unheard of for women of her time. That’s empowering. I think of that, I think of my son, of the journey it took to get here, and I just celebrate. Cleves is a queen who slays.”

Having played the role since 2018, Alexia says her portrayal has deepened over time. “You grow as a person, so the role grows with you. Anne had to leave her family, move countries, face huge changes, there’s so much strength in her. And the more life experience I gain, the more connected I feel to her.”

But SIX is more than just glittering costumes and girl group harmonies. “As women, our identities are constantly questioned,” she says. “You’re not just someone’s ex. You’re your own person. And the fact that it resonates across ages, across the world, shows how needed these stories are.”

Off-stage, that message of empowerment extends to the cast and crew. “There’s a real sisterhood. We’ve always said, we fix each other’s crowns. No egos. Just support. When someone’s down, we lift them up. It’s a community. Everyone, tech, cast, crew is one. That’s why it works.”

Alexia’s favourite moments? “Definitely ‘Ex-Wives.’ That opening is electric. The drop, the music, it tells the audience right away this isn’t your standard historical drama. And of course the finale, SIX. It’s pure celebration.”

And yes, backstage rituals are as fun as you’d hope, “We do a circle before every show, hands in, a little ‘I love you, slay’ moment. Warm-ups, music, some quiet time. Then it’s go time.”

So, what’s next for Alexia? Looking ahead, she’s staying open. “I just did a workshop with The Rep for Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas. I’m always auditioning. But I believe what’s meant for me won’t pass me by.”

And if she ever got to perform ‘Get Down’ as a duet? “Doechii. Her mind is amazing. And maybe a guest appearance from Nicki or Cardi. Imagine that!”

SIX will run at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Tuesday 17 June to Saturday 28 June 2025.

Words by Emilia Cercel