Review of Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain

Barmy Britain 2025 by Birmingham Stage Company. Photo by Mark Douet

I recently had the pleasure of attending Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain alongside two enthusiastic companions, the ever-curious Juno (age 10 and a fifth) and the adventurous Otis (age 8 and a tiny bit). This 70-minute romp through highlights of the gruesome world of British history is a whirlwind of sketches, songs, puppets and, of course, plenty of silly jokes about poo and farting 

Based on the bestselling books by Terry Deary, the show is brought to life by the dynamic duo of Neal Foster and Emma Swan, whose high energy and infectious enthusiasm from start to finish means there is never a dull moment They are the kind of performers who would even the most mundane facts about history seem exciting and fun but as this is the Best Bits the selected history is interesting and keeps the attention of the young audience. Did you know for example that 25% of English people are related to William the Conqueror or that Dick Turpin the famous highway man was actually a butcher from Essex?   

As we journeyed through the highlights of British history, we made stops at iconic figures and events, including Boudicca, William the Conqueror, and King John with the Magna Carta, before racing through Guy Fawkes's explosive plot to blow up Parliament and then galloping over to tales of Dick Turpin and the infamous Burke and Hare. These snippets of history are certainly not a comprehensive overview, but that hardly matters when the content is so engaging and entertaining. 

Juno was particularly taken with the vibrant costumes and clever puppetry depicting Little King John, she would recommend it to all children - “Even though it had lots of things in it, it was easy to follow” meanwhile, Otis was in stitches during the scene where they set the barrel of gunpowder alight! 

Barmy Britain 2025 by Birmingham Stage Company. Photo by Mark Douet

This show is ideal for tourists visiting Britian or anyone keen to teach their children about the fascinating history of this remarkable country. It’s educational in the most entertaining way possible, with sing-a-longs and audience participation making it perfect for families looking to learn while having a good laugh during the summer holidays. 

A horrible histories program me is always worth it, colourful and packed full of games, quizzes and fun facts that fully complement the show.  

Overall, ‘Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain’ is a delightful experience that I would recommend to anyone wanting to inject some fun into learning about history. With its energetic performers and engaging format, it deserves a solid four-star rating.  

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Apollo Theatre,  

31 July –31st August 2025 

Prices from £19.50 

Running time approx 70 mins with no interval 

Age recommendation 5-105 

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