Catchy songs, plenty of audience participation and entertainment for everyone from young to old. It was foolish, zany and you will leave the show a little more brainy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everyone loves Horrible Histories. History told in a fun, often crude manner that is so much more entertaining than being sat and lectured to (I’m thinking back to my War Studies lectures at University). This is history told in a fun catchy way that will have children learning without realising that they’re learning. Huge kudos for that. We may have sang one of the Henry VIII songs on the way home from the theatre.
The show is performed by just two (very talented) male actors (Morgan Philpott and Jack Ballard) who play the roles of various people from history. Including Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Burke and Hare and Richard the Lionheart. Morgan Philpotts talents didn’t just end at acting, I was really impressed with his vocals and instrumental to (the edited version of) Greensleeves and I sat in awe of his energy dancing around the stage in the second half especially. It is not the first time I’ve seen Morgan Philpotts on a Birmingham Theatre Stage as he played Mr Dearly in the 2017 Tessa Walker adaptation of 101 Dalmations at Birmingham Repertory Theatre that I reviewed. It was great to see him have such a main role in this show, demonstrating his acting skills further. Alongside Jack Ballard, the Alexandra Theatres stage was full of talent this evening.
Morgan and Jack worked exceedingly well together. Their ability to move at the exact same time must have taken so much practice. It was a perfect performance.
We loved the use of the 3D glasses in the second half of the show which I have to admit, may have made me jump at first. The special effects through the show are great – watch out for the flying head in the audience.
A brilliant performance that had us all laughing and joining in. We loved the current day references and think this was a cleverly created show. I don’t want to tell you too much about the show as I really want you to book to go and see it for yourselves.
Matilda (aged 8) and Jemima (aged 5) absolutely loved the show and can’t wait to sing some of the songs at school tomorrow and tell their friends all about the show.
If you would like to book tickets, click here.
Horrible Histories, Barmy Britain is at The Alexandra Theatre Birmingham until Saturday 4th December and is a brilliant show to take your children to.
Disclaimer: We were invited along to the press night. All views are honest and our own. Professional photographs provided by the Alexandra Theatre on behalf of the Production Company.