⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Much Ado About Monarchs.
If you’ve ever belted out “Charles II” in your living room or tried (and failed) not to laugh at “Stupid Deaths,” then Horrible Histories Live (and Dead!) The Concert is your dream night at the theatre – only louder, bigger, and gloriously more chaotic.
When William Shakespeare is tasked with creating the greatest show on earth, he quickly discovers that history’s biggest egos are very hard to work with. Monstrous monarchs including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Victoria all demand the spotlight – and they all want the final big number. Throw in surprise interruptions from Boudica, Cleopatra, and even Death himself, and Shakespeare’s grand vision spirals into delicious historical mayhem.
At the centre of it all is Richard David-Caine as Shakespeare, who faces an impossible conundrum: he’s promised the show-stopping finale to six different monarchs. Naturally, if they don’t get it, they will all want off with his head.
David-Caine is phenomenal as a stage-commanding Shakespeare who shimmies through scenes and keeps the audience laughing again and again. His quick wit and physical comedy make grown ups and children giggle endlessly. But it’s not just acting that David-Caine is great at, he has the vocals too and his song, about himself and all the English phrases that he invented and now are part of the English language, really demonstrated his vocal range.
The concert format means the songs we know and love take centre stage. “Stupid Deaths,” “Divorced, Beheaded and Died,” “The Monarchs Song” and, of course, “Charles II” are performed with energy – and yes, the audience sings every word. There’s 17 songs in total, so a full on concert – and then some!
Ethan Lawrence’s King Henry VIII is a show-stealing force, particularly in the brilliantly absurd game show segment “Chop or Not?” (Take a wild guess which Tudor tyrant inspired that one.) He commands the stage with booming confidence and you almost, just almost, find him a little loveable.
The games really added to the concert and gave that extra educational aspect to the show – another reason we all love Horrible Histories so much. You really learn stuff, but in such a fun way that you don’t notice you are learning.
My girls giggled loads during the gloriously ridiculous “Britain’s Got Terrors,” where historical heavyweights like Ramesses II and James I audition for eternal fame.
Yet the evening’s most heartwarming presence is none other than iconic composer Richie Webb. Band leader, guitarist, ukulele player, frequent punchline and all-round good sport, Webb is a genuine hero to generations raised on Horrible Histories and with 11 series containing over 1500 sketches – there’s a lot of people who have been influenced by his work. I was lucky enough to interview him in 2025 for his, “There’s No Such Thing As Wolves” show and he is as lovely in person as he is on stage.
For someone better known for writing the soundtrack to so many childhoods than performing it live (over 200 songs now!), his stage presence comes naturally and the applause he receives at curtain call highlights just how much he is respected and appreciated for all of his hard work- not just during the show but for giving so many families the joy of his songs over the years. How lucky we all were in the audience to get the chance to see him perform throughout this live concert!
Backed by a superb live band (including Richie) led by musical director Dai Watts, the concert sound is punchy, polished and even better than watching on the TV (BBC Iplayer if you want to watch some more shows). It’s a gig as much as it is a theatre show.
Written by Ben Ward and Claire Wetton, directed by Neal Foster, and bursting with choreography by Lucie Pankhurst, the production perfectly captures the anarchic educational spirit that made the original series such a phenomenon. The design, lighting, sound and video elements combine to create a fast-paced, visually dynamic spectacle that never lets the energy drop.
This is your perfect chance to see beloved TV actors perform sensational songs live, with a band that brings every lyric roaring to life. It’s silly, sharp, cleverly educational, and joyfully inclusive. Whether you’re 5 or 95, you’re going to love this!
If you’ve got tickets for tomorrow’s show at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (21 February 2026 at 14:30pm or 18:30pm), you’re in for a treat. If not – be quick. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/horrible-histories-the-concert/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
Bring your singing voice. Bring your inner history nerd. And prepare for a truly Horrible (in the very best way) night at the theatre.
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the show in return for an honest review on our channels.