Horrible Histories - The Concert

Terry Deary's Horrible Histories book series has been a longstanding staple of children’s bookshelves. The books grew even more iconic through the stage productions and the hit TV show, whose songs soundtracked my childhood memories, as well as so many others from my generation, and continue to resurface for new audiences. Now those worlds collide as performers from the television and theatre adaptations join forces with a live band led by Richie Webb, the composer behind the TV show’s music for, for Horrible Histories – The Concert: Live (and dead) on stage!, bringing a host of the show’s most iconic numbers to theatres across the country.

The concert maintains a loose narrative to make it more accessible to audiences of all ages. William Shakespeare is tasked with creating the greatest show on earth for the audience, but throughout must put up with interference from monstrous monarchs such as King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. This framing device acts as a clever engine for the show, allowing songs from wildly different eras and styles to flow naturally into one another. The narrative also provides opportunities for both live and pre-recorded sketches, adding extra layers of comedy and education between the musical numbers. This also opens the door for improvisation and topical humour that ensures each performance feels fresh. Back and forths between the shows host, Richard David-Cane’s Shakespeare and composer Richie Webb provided some real moments of hilarity. These were just some of the many brilliant exchanges that happened between the characters on the night, with every member of the cast bringing their own humour and quick-wit to enhance the performance. 

Much like the beloved TV series, each performer takes on multiple roles, shifting accents, physicality and vocal styles with impressive speed. This versatility allows favourites such as 'Charles II', 'Divorced, Beheaded and Died' and 'Literally!' to feel just as vibrant on stage as they do on screen. The cast throw themselves fully into every moment, committing to the absurdity while also remaining musically tight. Even when not at the forefront of a number, they remain animated in the background, adding visual jokes and reactions that heighten the comedy. The costume design of Jackie Trousdale further enhances each transformation, helping characters feel bold and instantly recognisable while retaining the playful spirit of the series.