Looking for something to do in the last week of the summer holidays? Then Horrible Histories Live: Barmy Britain Part 5 is totally it. We laughed our way through a performance this week and here's our review of what was really a thoroughly enjoyable treat for the kids AND the grown ups...
Horrible Histories Live: Barmy Britain - Part 5
This slick, stylish two-man band is energetic, fast paced, witty and hilarious in its dazzling ride through a millennia of British history. Neal Foster and Morgan Philpott sing, dance and joke their way through a whirlwind of facts, fun and really rather brilliant costume changes to keep audiences on their toes for a mad-capped array of barmy British history at its horribly ridiculous best. Hold onto your hats for a ton of history you thought you knew, but didn't know quite like this! Foster and Philpott never miss a beat in their capers and cover everything from warrior queens to disgruntled kings, unruly stalkers to nonsensical British takeovers (yes, New Caledonia, we're talking about you!), and the whole production is, quite simply, just over an hour of absolute hilarity.
What did we think?
Rafferty, age 9, had this to say: "It really made me laugh and I liked all of the jokes and learning about the funny history of Britain. My favourite bit was when that man broke into Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen. It was really silly and I love silly stuff. I think all my friends would love this show too, and I definitely would like to see it again. The only thing I didn't like was that there was no Horrible Histories stuff to buy at the theatre afterwards as I really wanted to get a notebook."
Notebook merch aside, we really did rate this as top notch family entertainment, and when it comes to London theatre shows for kids, this was one of the best we've seen. It wasn't fancy, and it wasn't long, but it certainly packed a rib-tickling, edutainment punch. It will appeal to kids of around 4-years and older, but there are also plenty of jokes in there that the adults will chuckle heartily at (but the kids won't 'get' if you know what I mean!). It really is a clever, all round people pleaser is Horrible Histories Live: Barmy Britain - Part 5!
The deets
You'll have to be quick: the show is only on at The Apollo Theatre until 28 August 2021, so get yourself into London town, stat!
Playing at: Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ
Performance dates: Now until 28 Aug 2021
Running time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Ticket cost: From £21.00. Babes in arms age 18 months and younger may accompany an adult for free (but must not occupy a seat)
* London for Kidz were gifted tickets for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are our own.
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