It may be horrible but still it is a much-beloved children's TV series that educates as much as entertains. And this weekend the horribleness came to Nottingham...
Inspired by the Terry Deary books and the long-running CBBC TV show, Horrible Histories Live (& Dead): The Concert brings together the very best elements that have made the series such a hit, condensing them into 1 hour and 40 minutes of jam-packed, high-energy fun. But what’s the best part of the show, you might ask? The songs, of course!
Hosted by Britain's most famous playwright, William Shakespeare, the show welcomes some of history’s most horrible monarchs to the stage, each performing their signature song in a bid to earn the rights to perform the big finale number! But with every monarch’s overinflated ego and determination to steal the spotlight, Shakespeare finds himself in a rather large predicament, made more precarious by Elizabeth I’s threats of execution should anything go wrong during the show. With his head quite literally on the line, can Shakespeare pull off the concert without a hitch?
The show perfectly balances fact-dropping education with chaotic, laugh-out-loud mayhem, and the cast effortlessly ad-libs in response to audience interactions, making the performance feel truly fresh and spontaneous. There’s a genuine sense of enjoyment radiating not just from the audience, but from the cast as well. Local references only add to the enjoyment of the show, with quips about Beeston, plenty of “Ay Up Me Ducks,” and even the proposal of a Viking raid on the Park Estate, after recruiting a few eager volunteers from the crowd!
It’s a hilariously fun experience for little and not so little kids alike
There are plenty of interactive moments too, with cast members venturing into the audience before the show even starts for photo opportunities with younger theatre-goers. A Britain's Got Talent-style competition mid show has the audience cheering and booing along, whilst dancing and singing along is actively encouraged, conveniently aided by lyrics to many of the song's choruses being projected onto a screen. The show fully embraces a pantomime-esque style of participation, which is hard not to get swept up in; in fact, the more involved you get, the more fun you will have!
Whether you’re looking for fantastic family friendly entertainment or you’re a die hard Horrible Histories fan (like myself) ready to relive your childhood through the show's iconic tunes, Horrible Histories Live (& Dead): The Concert truly delivers. It’s a hilariously fun experience for little and not so little kids alike, that will have you laughing, singing, and even learning a thing or two from history along the way.
Horrible Histories Live (& Dead): The Concert appeared at the Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 29 March 2026.
Read the Leftlion interview with Horrible Histories cast members here.
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