Horrible Histories Groovy Greeks at the New Alexandra Theatre Review
Horrible Histories
Groovy Greeks
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
22-26 March 2016
Reviewed by Catherine Brown
Horrible Histories first began as a series of books written by Terry Deary and published in 1993. This then evolved into a BBC television programme and more recently as a series of stage shows by the Birmingham Stage Company. I went with my 8 year old son to the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham to watch Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks and was very impressed with the entertaining spectacle combined with interesting educational facts.
The style of Horrible Histories is to present information in an exciting accessible way, particularly aimed at children. This is the 10th year Birmingham Stage Company have created these productions; Incredible Invaders is also being shown on the same stage but at a different time. The theatre is in the city centre very close to Birmingham New Street train station and has plenty of parking nearby. The staff were very welcoming and it was lovey to sit and listen to live music being played in the piano bar before the start of the show.
The performance involved just 4 actors plus the voice of Terry Deary. They explored many different themes relating to the Ancient Greeks using songs and acting with modern day references and audience participation. Some jokes went above the head of my son (links to The Simpsons, Hunger Games and The Italian Job) but he also laughed uncontrollably at many of the more gruesome comments. One particular favourite of his was when the snot and ear wax of an audience member was tested. The actors completed many quick costume changes and the staging was simple with just a large screen behind them showing images relating to the topic.
During the interval we purchased drinks and popcorn. Sweets, chocolates and ice cream were also available. Programmes were available for a reasonable £4, they included puzzles and quizzes and also information about other Horrible Histories shows and merchandise. We were encouraged to wear 3D glasses for the remainder of the show. Even before the second half started the screen on stage was full of arrows being fired towards us or scorpions which appeared to dangle just before our eyes. This triggered lots of squeals from the younger members of the audience!
My son had recently been studying the Greeks at school, but even without this background knowledge the topics were easy to follow and also very informative. The show continued with a ‘Big Brother’ event involving Socrates, Aristotle and Archimedes. The highlight for me was the section on Theseus and the Minotaur where exploring the labyrinth with 3D glasses on made me duck and dive in my seat. Another giggle came in the form of the ‘naked’ costumes the actors wore during the section on the Olympics.
I was very impressed by the New Alexandra Theatre and although the seats were not full there was a lovely atmosphere created by both the actors and the theatre staff. I was surprised that the whole show and many different topics were performed by just 4 actors but they had a wonderful energy and excellent singing voices. I would rate this show 5/5 and look forward to seeing other Horrible Histories presentations.
Rating: 5/5 
Horrible Histories Groovy Greeks is currently on tour around the UK. For more information, tour dates or to book tickets at a venue near you visit www.birminghamstage.com.
For other shows at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham.
New Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS
