Yesterday we were invited to watch Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors. We are huge fans of Horrible Histories, my son has alllll the books, so we couldn’t wait to watch a live performance. He’s been studying the Tudors in his history lessons so I thought it would be fun and educational too for the school holidays!

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors

Birmingham Stage Company’s Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors make its West End premiere at the Garrick Theatre this summer as part of the company’s 30^th anniversary programme. Birmingham Stage Company’s Neal Foster directs Benedict Martin and Emma Swan. The show opened on 2nd August and runs until 3rd September.

(All photos Mark Douet)

This brand-new production marks the company’s tenth year in the West End, which happily coincides with the Birmingham Stage Company’s 30^th anniversary. As part of the anniversary programme the company will also be taking to the water with Horrible Histories – Terrible Thames running in tandem.

The Horrible Histories books were written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown. They were made into a live action series on CBBC too which my kids just love. In case you haven’t heard of them (where have you been!) it’s history with the nasty bits left in!

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Terrible Tudors live on stage!

As you can guess, the Terrible Tudors covers the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth. You will hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack!

The show lasted for 70 minutes without an interval, which was the perfect length for my children. We watched Horrible Histories: More Best of the Barmy Army a few years ago so knew what to expect. There was lots of costume changes, silly stories, songs and audience participation. The two actors carried the show amazingly and we whizzed through the Tudor period learning lots of fun facts along the way.

Horrible Histories shows are recommended for ages 5 to 105 (106 year olds may not like them!). It’s a great show for the whole family and great entertainment for the school holidays if you’re in London. We combined our trip to the theatre with a trip on the new Elizabeth Line and The Obliteration Room at Tate Modern!

Essential information:
Horrible Histories- Terrible Tudors
Garrick Theatre
2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH

Box Office:  0330 333 4811
https://nimaxtheatres.com/
Tickets from £16.50

28 July – 2 September
Running time: 70 minutes

You may be interested in our other London theatre reviews:

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

The Gruffalo Live

Operation Ouch

The Gruffalo’s Child Live

Horrible Histories More Best of Barmy Britain!