Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians at The Derngate Theatre, Northampton 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
Last night we had a family night out to see Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians at The Derngate Theatre, Northampton. The Birmingham Stage Company are currently touring with a double bill, alternating the times of each show, offering matinees and early evening. We are huge history fans and avid viewers of the Horrible Histories TV show. Having already seen the Terrible Tudors and absolutely loving it, we were excited to complete the set with Awful Egyptians.
The show is performed by three super energetic actors – Rob Cummings, Jack Ballad and Megan Parry – delivering a plethora of characters, taking you on a trip through Ancient Egypt, from the building of the first pyramid to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Expect to learn interesting facts such as how mummies were made and the Egyptian journey to the afterlife. But of course this is Horrible Histories so we get all the gory bits, like having your brain pulled out of your nose and your lungs put in a pot! Whether you’re a history buff or not, you are sure to be fascinated by some of the Ancient Egyptian customs and beliefs, and every day’s a school day!
The show is obviously aimed towards children but I can assure you everyone will enjoy it whatever the age! Topical anecdotes and adult humour are cleverly woven in to have us oldies roaring with laughter, whilst the kids, as predicted, belly laughed at the toilet humour. What eight year old doesn’t love a fart joke!! The highlight for me was Rob Cummings portrayal of Pharaoh Djoser/Donald Trump campaigning to ‘make Egypt great again’.
What makes these shows particularly enjoyable is the variety of entertainment. We had sketches, songs, impressions and lots of audience participation. We ended the first half on our feet having learnt a song with actions. From what I could see, everybody in the audience embraced the silliness and joined in! The staging was simple with a digital backdrop (essential for the effects of the second half) and change of characters were defined by simple costume changes and props.
The second half was dominated by ‘3D Bogglevision’. We all donned our 3D glasses to enjoy the worst of the worst in all its glory! We had snakes coming at us, a mummy floating past our head and got ‘hit’ by several bricks. This really does make the show, but I could imagine would be a little scary for some of the really young audience members, so just be aware of this going in. Everybody ‘oh’d and ah’d’ at all the effects, but even the best of us got a bit jumpy when a scarab beetle scuttled towards us!
This really was a wonderful (and informative) night out for all the family. It was evident from the audience reaction that everybody felt the same and everybody left with a big smile. The evening show started at 6.30pm and was approximately 1.5 hours plus interval, so it was just the right length of time to hold the kids’ attention throughout. I would 100% recommend this for anyone looking for something to do during the holidays!
Rating: 5/5
Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians & Terrible Tudors is at The Derngate Theatre, Northampton until Saturday 19th April
Terrible Tudors: Wed & Fri 2pm, Thu & Sat 6.30pm
Awful Egyptians: Wed & Fri 6.30pm, Thu & Sat 2pm
Family ticket offers available. Recommended age 5+
For more information and to book, please visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk