Q&A: CHELSEA DAWSON & VIDYA MAKAN FROM SIX THE MUSICAL

INTERVIEW BY: VANESSA MULQUINEY

The pop musical phenomenon SIX retells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, their way. Currently playing in Australia and New Zealand, their next stop is Brisbane Playhouse QPAC from December 30. We chat with Vidya Makan (Katherine Howard) and Chelsea Dawson (Catherine Parr) about their roles, and as Queenslanders, get their insider tips on Brisbane.

Can you describe the show in four words?

Chelsea Dawson (CD): Sisterhood, exhilarating, empowering and energetic.

Chelsea Dawson

Vidya Makan (VM): Joy, sisterhood, hilarious, reclamation.

Vidya Makan

What is your favourite aspect of your character?

CD: It’s so hard to pick my favourite aspect about Katherine Howard because I fall in love with her more every day. If I had to put a spotlight on one thing, I think it would be her strength and confidence.

VM: I absolutely love playing Cathy Parr. She turns the show around and she loves generously and acts courageously. And while I of course I love all of the wives for their own special reasons, I of course have a very strong connection to Cathy Parr!

How did you prepare for this role?

CD: I did a lot of research about King Henry VIII and his six wives because I only knew them through being a fan of the show before auditioning. When the reality of these queens being real humans kicked in, I think the drive to be ready for the show also stepped up a notch. I really wanted to make Queen Katherine Howard proud of my retelling of her past.

VM: There are so many elements that come with preparing to play Queen Parr. Physically, it took months of training to get my fitness and dance up for the physical demands of the show. In terms of character, I did a lot of research which informs elements of what I play on stage, but essentially there is a lot of me in the character. This can be quite confronting at times, but it is the beauty of SIX. The best preparation is connecting with the other queens—our love for each other is what holds the show together.

SIX Australian cast 2021–22: Kala Gare, Chelsea Dawson, Kiana Daniele, Loren Hunter, Vidya Makan, Phoenix Jackson Mendoza

You’re both Brisbane gals–describe your perfect day in this beautiful city?

CD: I’m from south-east Brissy so catching a ferry to Stradbroke Island and spending the day on the beach with fish and chips is a pretty perfect day. I also love starting my day walking along the Wynnum Manly Waterfront with a Groundhog coffee in hand.

VM: I would say a stroll in the gorgeous Brissy sun along South Bank. A visit to a market of sorts (if it’s a Wednesday I’d head to the city markets or on the weekend the New Farm or West End markets), and then a picnic in one of our many gorgeous parks (I love New Farm Park). Then a ride on the ferry to see SIX at QPAC of course.

Tips for visitors to Brisbane?

CD: When you visit Brisbane you must visit GOMA and travel around South Bank and all the gorgeous restaurants and parkland. And when you ever are heading to QPAC to see some theatre, always make a trip of it. Give yourself time to explore, grab gelato and have a stroll along the river.

VM: I love heading to Metro Arts to see a cool new work. I also love taking a dance class at MAD Dance House. The hip hop scene in Brisbane is incredible so I love exposing myself to watch that world when I can. My favourite place to hang out would have to be West End; Chu The Phat has got to be one of my favourite restaurants, followed by ice cream at Gelato Messina.

MAIN IMAGE: SIX Australian cast 2021–22

PHOTOS: SIX AUSTRALIAN CAST 2021–22/CLAUDIO RASCHELLA; CHELSEA DAWSON/ JAMES D. MORGAN; VIDYA MAKAN/JAMES D. MORGAN; SIX AUSTRALIAN CAST 2021–22/JAMES D. MORGAN