By Joy McKay.
Horrible Histories, a favourite of the Scholastic book fair and hit CBBC show took to the stage at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre last night for Horrible Histories Live (and Undead)! The Concert (2/4/26).
Accompanied by two intrepid junior reviewers (aged 8) we went, excitedly, to find out more.
Gratefully armed with the programme we took our seats. Waiting is hard when you are 8, the passage of time not quite being grasped, and so the programme was already providing it’s worth. A well-balanced mix of cast and show information for the adults with puzzles and games for the kids. This kept them occupied, with the signature style of Horrible Histories; learning through facts of historical guts and gore, until the performers appeared on stage.
Many of the cast will be well known to any fans of the TV show and we had the privilege of the twerking Tudor himself, William Shakespeare (played by Richard David-Caine) alongside the writer and composer of all of the (over 200) songs from the 17 years of Horrible Histories Richie Webb, hosting the evening.
Both junior reviewers were fans of Henry VIII (played by Ethan Lawrence) they really liked his classic song “Divorced, Beheaded, Died,” that he had so many people beheaded (over 20,000 we learnt) and that he had a really good hat. They also found the plot very funny and loved that there was lots of audience participation. Another highlight for them was the game show “Chop or Not” hosted by Death herself played by the wonderful Harrie Hayes.
But this was not just a good kids show, it was a really good show for all ages, with many jokes for the adults alone (I shall, unfortunately, forever associate tuna sandwiches with codpieces). Richie Webb’s parody songs probably appeal more to the adults too, who will get the references to Adam and the Ants or Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
It cannot be stressed how fantastic the cast are, both the main performers and on-stage musicians.
Whilst great on television they are given so much more breadth to show off their talents on stage. The cast sang and danced and ad-libbed with such enthusiasm. They laughed at each other and along with us, quite obviously having the best time.
We agreed we had a really fun evening as we all sang ‘Horrible Histories” in the car all the way home.
Tickets for Horrible Histories Live (and Dead)! – The Concert (Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 April 2026) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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Interview: Q&A with the cast of Horrible Histories Live (and Dead)! – The Concert