We are on a mission to go to every Horrible Histories live show. We’ve been to the car drive-ins, we have been to the river Thames boat tour, so it felt like this summer was time to go to the stage show at Garrick theatre. Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors is an hour long stage show that follows the history of the Tudors, played completely by two actors, who are costume switching and being quite playful with the audience.
The stage itself has two big areas of props and costumes, all hung up nice and neat, and a box in the middle that seems to have a few more items! The two actors spent a lot of time switching characters and pulling new costumes and props out of the various spots. It went through the previous king before the Tudors took power, reasons why the Tudors were terrible, and the end of the Tudors. For me, as an adult, this felt like a lot of information all at once, but Kai, Amelia and Robin did seem really engaged and picked up bits and pieces.
The two actions in Terrible Tudors did lots of sing-a-longs, signing songs Kai said he did in school about King Henry the 8th, which we were split in two and challenged against the other side to be loudest. There were lots of jokes in with all of the aspects of history; some for children about bums and guts flying out, and some for adults like pokes at Boris Johnson and the general state of the world. These were entertaining for all and it was great to feel like all ages were being catered too.
The costumes, which were the main showcase on the stage, were all really lovely and well made. They helped separate the characters well, and make it easy to follow the story (and history) that was being presented. I also liked the use of puppets, with quite a few being hand puppets of King Henry’s children, but also one larger hand puppet of a prince who died at 15, at the hands of his uncle likely. There were massive props as well for the section where people were put on trial during the Tudors reign, and then given their punishment when we all changed Guilty, with them getting their hands cut out and ears, which then fell off!
There was a lot of history packed in an hour at Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors, but all of it was really entertaining. I loved the amount of singing moments and audience interaction. Our three children had a really lovely time out and declared the play the most fun of their week so far, which was really nice to hear about something so educational! They also spent some time telling me about the Terrible Tudors, showing off the facts they learned as if I wasn’t there, which is always great to hear. We are so excited for our next time seeing another chapter of Horrible Histories.
You can check out our other Days Out to see what else we’ve been up too!
This sounds like such a fun show! I love shows like this that really pack the entertainment in.
It really does! So much singing and entertainment.
I used to love horrible histories when I was younger and would have loved this show when I was a kid x
It’s such a good and educational show.
I hadn’t heard of this series before, but it sounds like a great show! I love that they make it interactive to engage the kids in learning history while also making it fun and funny for everyone.
They have a book series, which I think started it all! Kai is really into the books and shows.
Oh that’s awesome, I’ve heard of these books. I think seeing the stories come to life on stage must be amazing!
It is a really great way to get kids engaged in History too.
Guessing my nephew will also love this Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors! When you said: “They also spent some time telling me about the Terrible Tudors, showing off the facts they learned as if I wasn’t there” they defnitely had a GREAT time!
They really had such a good time!
This looks like so much fun! I love when history can be combined with entertainment.
Me too, and it feels so good for kids too.
Looks like a really good show. I love stories based off history and real events. Such a great experience for the family!
It is so good for children, especially as they grow and learn.
Oh wow, that must have been so much fun. My kids loved watching this on tv and also reading the books. The show must be amazing!!!
It is a great way to learn too.
Yep, you know when the kids reiterate the story that they had a good time. Glad you got to see it.
It really is a good sign!
This sounds like a lot of fun. I really love all the Horrible Histories things.
They have so many different ways to learn.