Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain comes to The Alexandra from 11 to 13 March 2027, a three-day run that brings the series' latest stage show to Birmingham. If you've read the books or watched the TV show, you'll know the drill: British history told through its most absurd, grotesque, and slightly grubby corners, rather than the polished versions from school.

Barmy Britain is the brand new theatrical offering from the franchise, which has spent years as a family hit on stage after the best-selling books and the TV series. This one is a fast-paced two-hander, so just two performers carrying the whole thing, and it covers the barmy side of Britain's past — revolting rulers, mad monarchs, and figures like Boudicca, Burke and Hare, and Elizabeth I. It leans into the series' trademark gory bits, with 3D special effects landing the nastier side of history right on the audience. It's pitched at the whole family, so it works as much for kids as for adults who enjoy a bit of historical chaos.

Behind the scenes, it's a full production: directed by Neal Foster, with set and costume design by Jackie Trousdale, sound by Nick Sagar, music by Matthew Scott, and choreography by Kenn Oldfield. The show is described as a blend of Fry and Laurie, Little Britain, and Monty Python — sparky, cheeky, and covered in poo — which gives you a pretty good idea of the tone. It's less about the dates and the treaties and more about the weird, the gross, and the downright ridiculous bits of the story.

It runs at The Alexandra from 11 to 13 March 2027, with tickets starting from £17.16.