Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors Theatre Show

This weekend we went to see the Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors theatre show at West End’s Garrick Theatre. We have long loved Horrible Histories and even have the board game which we play regularly. The boys really enjoy a theatre show so I had high hopes for this one and we were not disappointed it was a huge hit. Consequently, we can not wait to see more of the Horrible Histories tour.

Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors Theatre Show

Charlie is a big fan of the Horrible History books written by Terry Deary who is one of Britain’s best-selling authors of the 21st Century. There are around 50 Horrible Histories books with many bestselling titles. I think Charlie must be around halfway through the award-winning book series. Needless to say, he was very excited about seeing the Terrible Tudors live on stage. I am sure he is not alone as the theatre was full of the next generation of Terry Deary fans.

Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors show has been created by Birmingham Stage Company and is directed by Neal Foster. This year sees the 30th anniversary of the company and its 10-year anniversary of performing in the West End. 

What are Horrible Histories?

Although starting in print, Horrible Histories had developed into a TV series which aims to teach children about key dates in history. Bringing it to life via hysterical sketches. Focusing on things that the history books do not tell you, such as the nasty bits and pieces of information that they will remember. Normally with some sort of bloody, deathly or ridiculous fact attached to the story or sketch. Charlie will often quote such foul facts to us. 

One of his favourites at the moment is about Rotten Romans. And how they use to place people that have wronged in some way into a hollow bronze bull. The bull was full of rats which are bad enough but they would then light a fire underneath it to burn the person alive. As gruesome as it sounds, there is actually a lot of educational content which helps kids to learn and retain information about our past. As well as many stupid deaths.

Although the theatre show focused on the Tudor era there are plenty of other time frames that the series covers. Including the Vicious Vikings, Groovy Greeks, Savage Stone Age, Slimy Stuarts, Vile Victorians and the Troublesome 20th Century. 

What to expect?

As you take your seats the stage is all set up all ready and waiting. There is a large chest in the middle and two large coat stands on either side. With lots of different hats, props and costumes hanging on them. You don’t spot it at first but as the show progresses. The coat stands are emptied until two ship masts complete with their own little crow’s nests are revealed. This coincides with a pivotal part of the storyline. Revolving around when vengeful Philip II of Spain tries to conquer England before the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

The storyline

The actor’s Benedict Martin and Emma Swan work extremely hard to keep the stage show moving and the audience engaged. The Terrible Tudors covers everything that happened to the monarchy from Richard the third through to evil (and slightly mad) Queen Elizabeth the first in the Tudor period. How Richard the third killed off his two nephews so they could not challenge his reign. To his eventual demise on the battlefield to one of the Horrible Henries – Henry the 7th. Some of the punishments dished out under the then questionable legal system, before understanding the fate of Henry. How Henry VII left a son, King Henry VIII and his six wives. The battle of the church and monarchy resembled something you may see between Liverpool and Man City. As Henry brought in divorce, before his two headless wives.

Before touching on Bloody Mary and her penchant for burning Protestants at the stake. And then Elizabeth, her relationship and execution of Mary Queen of Scots by an awful Tudor axeman, in the time of William Shakespeare. The rallying speech that ultimately defeated the Armada, the instruction of Sir William Drake and her eventual loss of mind. The end of evil Elizabeth and the end of the Torturing Tudors line. Plus a heap of extra-horrible bits.

That’s a lot to fit into a show that only lasted seventy minutes! But it is done in such a way that it keeps everyone invested in the performance. Somehow they manage that difficult balance of not only making the kids laugh out loud. But including comedic references that the adults pick up on and smirk along to. There was a fair few references to Boris Johnson. Although I do think my favourite bit was about Queen Anne Boleyn and when she met the next royal executioner.

What age is Terrible Tudors live on stage suitable for?

The recommended age is 5 and over. We did wonder if Harry who is six would struggle a little with it. But actually, he was engrossed the whole way through. Sitting upright in his chair and so far forward that I had to keep reminding him not to put his hands and chin on the chair in front. 

I think that it helps that the show is very interactive. And the actors are very good at making you feel that they are talking directly to you. There are lots of cheering, clapping and singing. Especially around King Henry the 8th and his six wives. Although I remember the song from school – Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived. The actions were a new one for me and the boys! Due to the historical accuracy of the play even the husband commented on learning some new historical facts.

How to book & essential information

• We watched the Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors live stage show at the Garrick Theatre in the West End. It is there until the 2nd of September. After which the show goes on tour stopping at Winchester, Southport, Madstone, Redditch, Redhill, Portsmouth and Porthcurno ending on the 26th of October. You can see further information including a full list of locations and dates on the Birmingham Stage Company website.
• Tickets start from £16.50 and there are reduced fees for families depending on the days you visit. You can book directly with the associated theatres for your Horrible Histories tickets.
• The show does not have an interval. 

We really enjoyed the show and had a great time. The boys are already hoping to see other shows in the Horrible Histories tour. Have you seen any of the different Horrible Histories shows or read any of the Horrible Histories series? Let me know in the comments below. 

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