Review: Horrible Histories Barmy Britain - Part Two at the Garrick Theatre

Horrible Histories Barmy Britain - Part Two

Garrick Theatre 

Reviewed on Saturday 11th October 2013

Everyone loves gruesome and disgusting facts, especially when it makes us see a different side to a well-known story. This time, it's the history of Britain that comes under attack as The Birmingham Stage Company invites us to see the bloody and barmy side of history.

Although I read History at university, I'm not an expert on Horrible Histories - I've read the books, but never watched the TV series. So I roped in 12 year old Tasha to come and keep me company. Ever keen, we were the first ones into the theatre where we sat enjoying a medley of classical music - all very sophisticated and lovely... but not for long. 

Before we knew it we were immersed in a non-stop, fun-filled performance. Anthony Spargo and Lauryn Redding have so much energy and enthusiasm that anyone would struggle not to get caught up in their tale. Mad, silly and full of audience participation, Barmy Britain had the whole of the Garrick Theatre blowing raspberries, singing and clapping. 

Spargo and Redding change characters and costumes in the blink of an eye, swapping accents and gender at the (quite literal) drop of a hat, taking us through Britain's history from the Romans to the present day in just over an hour.

Highlights include a rap by Queen Victoria (she's Vicky with a V) and Prince Albert (he's Albert with an A), a TOWIE spoof with Dick Turpin (shu'up) and Take Me Out - a tough call for poor King Edward, who must choose between William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. There's also a sing-along about The Black Death which reduced us both to giggles, so we couldn't do the actions properly.

"...forget your age and act your shoe size."

Terry Deary and Neal Foster have managed to create a family friendly show that kids will love because it's a little bit rude and very disgusting - Tasha and I both cringed as the Groom of the Stool (oh yes, it's what you think) wiped his face with his brown stained hanky...

My plus one, Natasha (aged 12) said: "It was really funny, enjoyable and different from anything I have seen in the theatre before. I was amazed how much entertainment they crammed into an hour!"

As long as you're open minded, Horrible Histories Barmy Britain - Part Two features something for all ages as the show features plenty of subtle jokes for adults. The silly atmosphere makes you forget your age and act your shoe size.

Reviewed by Michaela Clement-Hayes

michaela@westendframe.com

Horrible Histories Barmy Britain - Part Two runs at the Garrick Theatre until 5th January 2013.
Click here to book tickets (top price seats reduced to £12.50 all performances until 27th October).

Click here to read the Guest Blog cast member Lauryn Redding wrote for West End Frame.

Photo Credit: Jane Hobson

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