This was not the ‘top five’ mistakes of world history, but simply five examples of mistakes that, however innocently they were made at the time, had an irrevocable effect on the society of the country involved in the mistake. It would be too much of a spoiler to mention any of the mistakes Australia-based Paul Coulter talks about so engagingly and entertainingly. In less skilled hands, this show, placed as it is in a University of Edinburgh lecture theatre – perfect for reviewers, as you can place your beer as well as your pen and notepad on the long table in front of you – might have come across as ‘death by PowerPoint’.
I do not have the time – by which I really mean I do not have the inclination – to look up the stories that Coulter tells to verify their authenticity. But even if it was a whole load of baloney (unlikely, as he cited source after source), it’s still told in a disarmingly engaging manner, and the rapport very quickly established with the audience didn’t let up at all: a jetlagged man in my row stoically stayed to the end rather than slipping away, which tells you something about how captivating the show was.
Coulter sought affirmation from the audience that there were other history nerds present – but even those of us who wouldn’t put ourselves in such a category never felt bored. Some of the details included were presumably intended to give the show a wide appeal, with cultural references that would be better understood by older generations, and others that would be better understood by younger ones. The devil is in the detail, and this thoroughly researched show draws out some lesser-known pieces of information in an infectiously charming manner.
Review by Chris Omaweng
We all make mistakes, but rarely do they change the course of human history. From comedian and historian Paul Coulter comes 5 Mistakes That Changed History, a John Oliver meets Horrible Histories tour of five mistakes that have impacted our world. Blending history, storytelling and comedy, the show is perfect for history lovers, the history-curious and anyone who loves to learn new things whilst having a laugh.
5 MISTAKES THAT CHANGED HISTORY
Assembly George Square at the Edinburgh Fringe
2 to 26 August 2024
Shows and events booking now for Edinburgh Playhouse and for King’s Theatre Glasgow.
