Rick Wakeman is to revive his Six Wives Of Henry VIII project with two live shows at Hampton Court Palace next spring.

Wakeman released the original Six Wives… album in 1972. Amazingly, it was a massive success all over the world and to date has sold more than 15,000,000 copies on both vinyl and CD (it says here).

The music has never been performed in its entirety but all that is about to change. On 1st and 2nd May 2009 Six Wives… will be performed in spectacular style on Hampton Court Palace’s West Front, to a limited audience of 5,000 for each performance.

On stage, performing with Rick, will be an expanded band, the English Chamber Choir, an orchestra and a guest narrator. There will also be dancers and side film screens.

In addition to The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Rick has also composed three additional pieces to perform that evening; Tudor Overture, Defender Of The Faith and Tudor Rock.

The whole event will be a ‘mock rock Tudor experience’ from the outset with a variation of tickets available, such as Platinum tickets which give access to Hampton Court Palace itself from 3.30pm and includes meet and greet and other special opportunities throughout the day.

Visit the event website here for details on how to purchase tickets.