The UK tour of Horrible Histories – Brand New Barmy Britain stopped off at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on Sunday, May 12. The hit show offers a gag-filled gallop through British history with just two actors playing all of the roles. Written by Terry Deary and Neal Foster, and directed by Foster, the entertaining 65-minute performance puts the fun into history.
What we thought of the show
We’re massive fans of Horrible Histories in our house. We can’t get enough of the hilarious historical characters in the children’s TV series that is based on Terry Deary’s books. So it was an opportunity not to be missed when we heard Horrible Histories – Brand New Barmy Britain was heading to Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.
The production is by the Birmingham Stage Company, who did a fantastic job with Tom Gates Live on Stage!, so we had high hopes for this one. Thankfully, from the moment the action began it was clear Horrible Histories – Brand New Barmy Britain was equally as top-notch!
The show is a riot from start to finish, incredibly squeezing centuries of history into just 65 minutes. As promised, there are plenty of yucky bits (mostly about bodily functions) and the audience were in stitches throughout.
Starting with the Romans, the two actors perform short sketches highlighting some of the most interesting – and surprising – moments in history. Ben Martin and Pip Chamberlin put their all into each character and are masters of comedy. There’s also plenty of audience participation, which adds to the fun.
Of course, anyone who knows the TV show will be familiar with their catchy and silly songs, so naturally singing features prominently in this stage show. One of our favourites was the rap about night soil men!
Other figures from the past who make an appearance include Richard III (who also gets a song), Mary Queen of Scots and King James I.
There’s also a nod to today’s political turmoil – which the grown-ups in the audience will certainly relate to.
The production follows the theme of Horrible Histories: to show just how utterly barmy history and the present day are. It also proves that history is most definitely not dull. If you would like to know what other parents are saying about Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain, Part Four then head to Apollo Theatre London’s website.
Horrible Histories – Brand New Barmy Britain is a hysterical journey through the past – minus the boring bits!
CAST
Rex – Ben Martin
Roger – Pip Chamberlin
Understudy – Jamie Sheasby
Where and when is Horrible Histories – Brand New Barmy Britain being performed?
The show has now left Stafford Gatehouse Theatre but the tour continues until the end of August. Other venues include:
- Crewe Lyceum Theatre, May 21-22 (call 01270 368242)
- Loughborough Town Hall, May 28-29 (call 01509 231914)
How much are the tickets?
Tickets for the performances at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre were £14.50, with concessions priced £12.50 and a family ticket for £48.50.
How do I book tickets?
To find out more about the tour dates, venues and tickets, click here or call the Birmingham Stage Company on 0207 437 3391.
Things to note
- The show is recommended for those aged from five to 105!
- The running time is 65 minutes (there’s no interval)
Where is Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?
Stafford Gatehouse is an old Victorian theatre for professional and amateur shows, including Shakespeare and children’s plays. In 2007, the Borough Hall was reopened as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20 June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council.
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LT
Tel: 01785 619080
About the Birmingham Stage Company
Birmingham Stage Company, who recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, are one of the world’s top theatre companies for families. As well as a lucky 13 years of Horrible Histories shows, they are also known for Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine, as well as David Walliams’ Awful Auntie and Gangsta Granny.
About Terry Deary
Terry Deary has written more than 200 books. His 50 Horrible Histories titles have sold over 25 million copies worldwide from China to Brazil!
By Colette Warbrook
You may also want to read this:
Review: Horrible Histories – Awful Egyptians Live on Stage
Review of Dick Whittington the Rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Review: Easter Bunny Breakfast at Dobbies Garden Centre
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
Photos by Mark Douet / Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
34 comments
The greatness and geniality of a theatrical show that brings children and young people closer to history.
Absolutely!! Its amazing how both kids and adults enjoyed the show very much!
This looks like so much fun! Great way to learn about history in an entertaining way. Love it!
It sure was, they are still touring so worth heading to watch them
This sounds so entertaining! I’d like to watch this for sure. It looks very funny!
It was, both our boys were super excited watching it and they were not bored at all
Wow, this would be so great, I love learning about history especially if it is entertaining.
It sure was entertaining, you will love it if you watched it
Just reading this and looking at the pictures make me so excited! Do you know if they are coming to Barcelona by any chance? It would be awesome to watch them live.
No unlikely but hopefully you can watch them when they tour around the UK
I love the theater! This looks extremely entertaining! I would love to watch this. Plus, a show about history can also be very enlightening.
Hope you do get to watch them perform as they are touring. They make facts seem like so much fun
This sounds interesting. I would like to watch this show. I have yet to watch a show at the theater, btw!
Hope you do get the chance to watch it as its well produced and so funny as well
So great for the kids. I have an eleven year old that I would like to take to enjoy it as well!
Oh yes! Especially if your child already loves watching the Horrible Histories show on TV like ours
This sounds like an awesome show. I haven’t got a chance to watch something like this. But hopefully soon when I am not busy.
Hope you do get the chance to watch this awesome production, its a family show
Live theatre events are so exciting and look like so much fun! I wish we had more where I live. Thanks for sharing!
Its worth making a trip to see them in the UK as they are touring at the moment
This show looks a nice one to see. You surely had a fabulous time there.
Yes we all did Kalyan! Thank you for your comments
I just love to go see productions like this. The drama, makeup and theatre feel if it is just whimsical, love!
Yes it was, especially for children. It lets them enjoy history as the show is so much fun
We saw this at the Mayflower a couple of weeks ago and the kids adored the show – I cannot wait to see their take on Tom Gates
We have seen both of the show and they are amazing! The production team and cast are so professional and take into account that its a family entertainment so the adults are not bored at all.
i do like the theater. this looks entertaining for kids and adults alike
We all enjoyed the show Jasmine, adults and kids
I love a good history lesson! And in the theatre? Count me in! 🙂
Oh yes! Absolutely !!
I’ve not been to the theatre for ages! This looks great, off to see if it is showing local to me!
We love heading to the theatre, as its more fun and interactive compared to heading to the movie theatre.
I love the theatre especially the ones that have a historical reference. This one looks really good.
It was a great show for the whole family and kids learn their history better when its more fun