Horrible Histories – The Concert At Milton Keynes Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Mel Randle

This morning we set off early to catch the first performance of Horrible Histories – The Concert at Milton Keynes Theatre, and I really could end my review there because all I have to say is ‘You’ve got to see it!!’ This was the perfect way to start the day – two hours (including 20 minute interval) of pure joy! I left with my spirits lifted, my belly aching (from laughing) and a couple more history facts in my pocket to pull out in conversation.

My companion for the show was my 10 year old daughter. We are both history buffs and Horrible Histories fans so went with high expectations. That being said, we have seen a fair few Horrible Histories shows and they never fail to disappoint. This is the first one we have seen that features the songs from the CBBC TV series, and if that wasn’t enough, some of the stars too!

Richard David-Cane ‘hosted’ the concert as William Shakespeare. As well as seeing him in the Horrible Histories TV show, we have travelled to see him in various other shows and pantomimes (some would say we are stalking him) because he is one of our favourite actors. He is a wonderful talent who had us laughing from start to finish. I would still have enjoyed this show without him, but he was the cherry on top for me! Joining him were the likes of Harrie Hayes as Queen Elizabeth I and Ethan Lawrence as King Henry VIII to name just a couple. All eight cast members were fabulous and kept us entertained throughout. Joining them on stage were a live band of five musicians including Richie Webb who has written all Horrible Histories songs. What a treat!

The period costumes were absolutely stunning and as all cast members played multiple characters, the speed of their costume changes were quite impressive! The staging remained the same throughout – this was a concert after all – with a large screen at the back of the stage that was used to project scenery, play extra ‘backstage’ clips and animations. It was instrumental for audience participation displaying lyrics on the bits we could join in. Audience participation was encouraged throughout. There was a lot of ‘ooh-ing’ and ‘aah-ing’, pantomime jibes, ‘to chop or not to chop’, singing, dancing and clapping. Both children and adults alike were immersed the whole way through and it would have been impossible not to have got swept away with it.

In a nutshell, whether you or your little people are Horrible Histories fans or not, this is a piece of theatre not to be missed. From Cleopatra to Charles II and William Shakespeare to Munsa Musa, everybody has a story to tell with wonderful songs set to familiar music. Dick Turpin channels his inner Adam Ant and Queen Vic does an awesome Mambo No 10. I defy you not to leave the theatre humming a song with a spring in your step! This is a show I would definitely go and see again!

Rating: 5/5

Horrible Histories – The Concert is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 28th February as part of their nationwide tour.
Tickets from £18

For more information and to book, visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/horrible-histories-the-concert/milton-keynes-theatre/