Horrible Histories, as a book series by Terry Deary, has been extremely popular with readers of all ages for many years. It is not a surprise that it also became popular on stage, as well as a cleverly constructed and remembered TV series for the BBC. Fans of this series in all formats got all their dreams fulfilled in this special tour in collaboration with Lion Television to bring the popular songs to the stage with the panache of Birmingham Stage Company’s charm and wit, as seen in previous reviews.
Bringing the magical writing of Ben Ward and Claire Witton with song composer Richie Webb, alongside a vibrant cast that not only had so much energy and love for the subject matter, but performance skills that were so sharp, they made a Viking axe look tame! Together with a live band and visuals that were reminiscent of what the TV series gave us, the experience was raised to a level that was so high, I really wish I was able give a lot more than five stars. On this occasion, I will say that this particular stage production was a stunning show that, to date, is the best one from the Horrible Histories stage show archives.
The concept was simple. Instead of Rattus Rat being the usual presenter from the TV show, we were treated to the ultimate presenter for a show like this. William Shakespeare himself, as depicted by Richard David-Cane. His job was simple – to create the perfect concert showcasing the best royal figures and villains from history, otherwise Elizabeth the First would chop his head off. It started well for him, but of course, the inevitable happened, and all started falling apart. Will he be able to pull it (and himself) together?
David-Cane created a Shakespeare who was the ultimate perfectionist and absolutely terrified of his queen. His physicality and comic wit were extremely well executed (metaphorically) and gave us a memorable performance as he worked his way through the ultimate line-up history had to offer, whilst trying to keep his stress levels under control.
Every cast member and musician gave extremely strong performances and kept the energy up without letting us fall asleep. As always with Horrible Histories, there were too many moments to mention, so I will stick to the highlights. Such as Neal Foster’s flamboyantly charming Charles II, who brought back partying, and his menacing Dick Turpin, who terrorised the highway and gave a very apt nod to Adam Ant’s classic 80s track Stand and Deliver in his own lyrical revamp. Followed swiftly by Harrie Hayes’ terrifying Elizabeth I in her attempt to maintain control of the whole concert, trying not to chop people’s heads off! In contrast, she became an extremely zany Death character in a popular segment for the TV show itself called ‘Stupid Deaths’, in which she expertly parodied the deaths of many famous characters, who passed on in some of the most interesting ways, whilst creating the perfect balance of satire and respect for all involved.
I cannot finish this review without mentioning someone who brought a touch of showbiz to this incredible experience. Inel Tomlinson not only took on the richest man in the world, Mansa Musa, who was so rich he gave away his gold to many, but he also took on PT Barnum himself as the greatest showman in the world! The stark contrast of these two characters was so well executed that each role oozed charisma, aided by a cheeky smile and physical swagger without crossing over each other. Tomlinson had, like the rest of the cast, the perfect comedic delivery, a charm that warmed the coldest heart, and a stage presence that left you wanting more.
Horrible Histories Live (and Dead)! The Concert was a roaring success by bringing both the fun of the stage show and the popular songs of the TV show together to create an unforgettable experience for all ages. Catch it before your heads roll… and of course, before the tour finishes. More historical magic, please!
Review by Sascha Cooper
When William Shakespeare is asked to create the greatest show on earth, he’s no idea how much trouble he’ll get from monstrous monarchs like King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria! Things hot up when Death appears – and now Boudica and Cleopatra want to take over! Can things get any worse? Of course they can!
Cast:
Richard Foster-King – William Shakespeare
Alison Fitzjohn – Queen Victoria
Neal Foster – King Charles II
Harrie Hayes – Queen Elizabeth I
Ethan Lawrence – King Henry VIII
Verona Rose – Cleopatra
Inel Tomlinson – Mansa Musa
Grace Hull – Ensemble/Dance Captain
Jack Ballard – ASM/Understudy
Band:
Musical Director/Keys – Dai Watts
Keys 2/Guitar – Ritchie Webb
Drums – Samuel Firsht
Bass – Fimi Manoukian
Guitar 1 – Amy Shaw
Creatives:
Director – Neal Foster
Composer – Richie Webb
Musical Director – Dai Watts
Choreographer – Lucie Pankhurst
Set and Costume Design – Jackie Trousdale
Lighting Designer – Jason Taylor
Sound Designer – Nick Sagar
Video Designer – Will Duke
Production:
Company Stage Manager – Zachary Holton
Deputy Stage Manager – Gemma Hayton
Technical Assistant Stage Manager – Will Hughes
LX No 1/Relighter – Corrie Lynch
Video No 1 – Ben Walden
Sound No 1 – Katie Long
Sound No 2 – Richard Brookes
Wardrobe Supervisor – Nia Evans
Wardrobe Manager – Maisie Jackaman
Wigs, Hair and Makeup – Kendal Love
HORRIBLE HISTORIES LIVE (AND DEAD!) THE CONCERT
Brighton Dome, 9 to 11 April 2026
Tour continues to 18 April 2026
Horrible Histories – The Concert
Sunderland Empire
Fri 17 Apr – Sat 18 Apr 2026
Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Thu 14 May – Sat 16 May 2026
Horrible Histories – Awful Egyptians
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Fri 15 May – Sat 16 May 2026
Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors
Theatre Royal Brighton
Thu 29 Oct – Sat 31 Oct 2026
Horrible Histories – Awful Egyptians
Theatre Royal Brighton
Fri 30 Oct – Sat 31 Oct 2026
