Loud Laughs, Lively Learning and Legendary History
Last night (27/02) Horrible Histories Live (and Dead)!: The Concert arrived in Milton Keynes, or “Milton Ke Ke” as William Shakespeare affectionately called it during the show. Many of you will already be familiar with Horrible Histories, but if not, they are known for turning historical facts into enjoyable and humorous songs and sketches.
If you’re looking for a show the whole family (including the adults!) will be thoroughly entertained by, continuously laugh at, and that has a good pace to keep even those with the shortest attention spans focused, this is it. This production is a lively, family-friendly show, rather than a traditional theatre play. Perhaps a great first show to introduce children to the fun of the theatre?
In contrast to other Horrible Histories stage shows that focus on specific eras such as Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians, Horrible Histories – The Concert is a compilation-style production featuring key figures from across history, including King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria.
In this concert-style format, we follow William Shakespeare (expertly played by Richard David-Caine) as he attempts to organise the greatest show in history. As the performance unfolds, the task becomes increasingly impossible thanks to the stream of historical figures who insist on getting involved. From Boudica to Cleopatra, everyone wants their moment in the spotlight, much to Shakespeare’s mounting exasperation.
Children will love seeing their favourite Horrible Histories characters brought to life on stage, especially William Shakespeare (Richard David-Caine) with his rather funky dance moves, who is the main character throughout. The show is packed with familiar faces, from King Henry VIII (Ethan Lawrence) and Queen Elizabeth I (Harrie Hayes) to Queen Victoria (Alison Fitzjohn) and Cleopatra (Verona Rose). Their elaborate costumes and energetic performances make each entrance feel like a mini-event, keeping young audiences fully engaged.
The staging is simple yet effective, with a live on-stage band led by Richie Webb, the long-time songwriter behind many of Horrible Histories’ most iconic tunes. The concert features a variety of well-known songs from the TV series, including Stupid Deaths, Dick Turpin, The Monarchs Song, as well as the irresistibly catchy Divorced, Beheaded, Died (don’t be surprised if the latter stays in your head for many a day afterwards!). A large video screen helps bring each scene to life and often displays lyrics to the biggest numbers, making it easy for the audience to join in.
As expected with a Horrible Histories show, the audience appeared engaged throughout. Children and adults alike were laughing from start to finish, and at certain points the cast encouraged audience participation, making for a memorable and interactive experience. At the end of the show the audience roared with applause, and you could really feel the appreciation and love for the cast.
Perfect for families with children aged 5 and above, it’s a lively celebration of learning, laughter and the sheer fun of live theatre.
Reviewed by
I’ve lived in the Milton Keynes area all my life (with a brief Dorset detour!) and work in marketing by day. I’m also a Willen Hospice volunteer. I love being swept away by a great theatre show and discovering new corners of MK.
Fun fact: As a child, I performed as a jazz dancer in one of MK Theatre’s very first shows.
