Six with Six – Courtney Monsma is Katherine Howard
BEHEADED.
Six The Musical is taking the world by storm. Part pop concert and part musical, the show tells the stories of Henry VIII’s wives, and sides of the story that most are not familiar with.
Ahead of the show’s opening, I’m asking SIX questions to all SIX queens.
Today’s queen is Courtney Monsma, who is playing Katherine Howard. Courtney was most recently seen in the Australian tour of Aladdin understudying the role of Princess Jasmine. Other credits include Mamma Mia! (Australian Tour), Charity in Sweet Charity, Carmen in The Life, Maria in West Side Story (all for the Queensland Conservatorium), and Kiss Me Kate (Opera Queensland). Courtney was also a 2018 finalist for the Rob Guest Endowment Award.
Can you tell me a bit about your history with performing?
I did my first community musical theatre production when I was 8 years old and haven’t stopped since! After high school I completed my Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium of music. I booked my first professional theatre production of Mamma Mia in 2017 as an ensemble member covering Sophie! I then went on to understudy Jasmine and play in the ensemble of Disney’s Aladdin and now luckily a part of Six!
What excites you the most about Six?
Honestly every aspect! I think it’s a very unique theatre experience to be able to break the fourth wall and really involve the audience which is so exciting. I’m excited to work with the women in the cast and crew of this show.
Do you have anything in common with your Queen?
I think that, alike myself, Howard always tried to see the good in people which can be both a good/bad thing. I’m close to Katherine in age and I definitely relate to her love for music and a fun time!
What’s one thing that people may not know about you?
When I was younger I was actually part of a girl troupe called Zoop Co! We spread the message of girl power and performed over Queensland. It is quite full circle to now be part of Six and little me would be so excited.
Why do you think people love Six so much?
I think people love Six because of its uniqueness and as for entertainment I believe it ticks all the boxes. It reinforces positive messages relevant in todays climate like female empowerment and it’S thoroughly entertaining with styles of music you listen to on the radio. Filled with comedy and some thought provoking truths, Six is so inclusive and to feel like you’re part of something on the stage and in the audience is the main reason it is so well loved.
What did you know about King Henry VIII and his wives before starting on Six?
I studied it briefly in high school but now I’ve loved researching the history for the show.
Six The Musical opens at the Sydney Opera House in January, before touring to Melbourne and Adelaide.
Tickets and more information are available at TakeYourSeats.com.au.
