HISTORY lessons were never like this when I was at school!

Six is the surprise hit of the year and deservedly so. The story of the six wives of Henry VIII told through a pop concert is a concept which shouldn’t work but does and does so brilliantly.

It’s sassy, sexy and surprising. Never has 75 minutes studying the Tudors been so entertaining.

Backed by a brilliant all-female band, we’re in serious girl power mode here, the six-strong cast delight and educate in equal measure.

The premise is a simple one, the wives gather to decide which of them has had the worst life and have one song to put their case.

Think Beyonce in a time machine or Katy Perry meets the Open University and you’re getting somewhere close.

History students may heave learned the show’s mantra - divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived - to keep track of Henry’s complex marital arrangements but Six should be put on the curriculum and things would be made much clearer.

Writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss bring wit and a knowing irony to the show and the original songs feature some great rhymes.

Highlights include House of Holbein, a Euro disco extravanganza, and the power ballad Heart of Stone.

Every credit to the six-strong cast whose energy is relentless. Vocally there are some really impressive performances and each one helps to bring their character to life.

It’s a demanding show and no mistake. Anne of Cleves, Alexia McIntosh, had sustained a serious back injury and had to be seated for much of the performance; understudy Grace Mouat stood in as Catherine Parr and yet it affected the production not one jot.

All the wives are fantastic but special mention to Millie O’Connell as the impish, cheeky Anne Boleyn and Aimie Atkinson as Katherine Howard.

Six the Musical ends its run at the Lowry on Saturday before heading back into the West End. But don’t despair, it’s returning to Salford for a five week run next Christmas opening on December 3.

So you’ve no excuses. Get a ticket, enjoy it and learn a bit at the same time.

JOHN ANSON