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Horrible Histories - the Concert Is Live (and Dead) - Review and Interview Neal Foster
The cast of the hit TV series and theatre shows will be bringing the BAFTA Award- winning TV show to life on stage at Milton Keynes Theatre from Fri 27 – Sat 28 Feb.
Following the exciting announcement of earlier this year, Birmingham Stage Company and Lion Television are thrilled to bring Horrible Histories – The Concert to MiltonKeynes Theatre as part of a UK Tour. For the very first time, Horrible Histories Live (and Dead!) on Stage will feature both
the hit TV songs and stars of the beloved CBBC series, a unique combination never before seen on tour.
Simon from Mid Morning Spoke with Neal Foster
Simon saw Horrible Histories.
Horrible Histories at Milton Keynes Theatre
Date: 27th February 2026
Creative Team: Written by Ben Ward & Claire Wetton; Music by Richie Webb; Directed by Neal Foster.
It is no exaggeration to say that this show breathes vibrant, chaotic life into the past. Drawing from a massive back-catalogue of over 200 songs, Horrible Histories delivers a masterclass in "stealth learning."
The Standout Performances
Richard David-Caine, portraying a wonderfully witty William Shakespeare, is an absolute blast of fresh air. He keeps the energy electric, guiding the audience through a "greatest hits" tour of historical mishaps. His comedic timing is impeccable—the "Milton Keyne-ze" quips landed perfectly with the local crowd, and his routine with Simon (Skeleton) Cowl was a genuine highlight that had the entire theatre in stitches.
This production also marks a fantastic milestone: the BBC cast finally joining forces with The Birmingham Stage Company. Seeing Harrie Hayes, Inel Tomlinson, Ethan Lawrence, Verona Rose, Alison Fitzjohn, and Neal Foster together on stage felt like a true family reunion.
A High-Octane Production
The staging is clever and effective. A massive screen dominates the backdrop, with the live band positioned front-and-center, giving the actors plenty of room to dance, act, and feed off the audience's energy. The first half flies by with incredible pace; the sheer enthusiasm of the performers is infectious. The second half allows us a shorter time but still with a high impact. The final song is simply perfect.
The Audience Experience
Attending the schools' performance added an extra layer of magic. Watching the children’s reaction to the opening bars of "Divorced, Beheaded, Died/Survived" was a joy—they were on their feet instantly, singing along to every word (most of which they clearly knew by heart!).
As someone new to the Horrible Histories stage shows, I was surprised by how much I personally took away. From the reality of Dick Turpin to the lineage of British Monarchs, I was learning without even realizing it. Richie Webb has done a magnificent service to both history and our children by making education this much fun.
Verdict: An absolute must-see. Primary school age is the "sweet spot" for this show, but honestly? Anyone with a sense of humor will come out having learned something new.
Leading the music is Richie Webb, the award-winning composer behind every unforgettable Horrible Histories TV song. From the iconic ‘The Monarchs' Song’ to the riotous anthems that have become fan favourites, Richie joins the cast as Musical Director, bringing his extraordinary catalogue to the stage with a live band. Sharing the spotlight are some of the most recognisable current faces from the multi BAFTA-winning Horrible Histories and its spin-off Horrible Science:
- Richard David-Caine, one of the show’s longest-serving performers, also known for Class Dismissed and CBeebies’ Swashbuckle.
- Harrie Hayes, who has embodied history’s most iconic royals, from Elizabeth I to Marie Antoinette.
- Inel Tomlinson, A core cast member of both shows, from Histories’ Rameses to Science’s Big Danny.
- Ethan Lawrence, a Horrible Histories favourite and star of Ricky Gervais’ global Netflix hit After Life.
- Verona Rose, a regular on Horrible Histories and a writer-performer on Top Boy, Fully Blown amongst others and the host of ITV2’s Secret Crush.
Joining them are two stalwarts of the 20-year stage phenomenon Horrible Histories Live on Stage:
- Alison Fitzjohn, an original cast member who has toured the world with Birmingham Stage Company.
- Neal Foster, the company’s Actor/Manager and creative force behind all
- 01. Horrible Histories - The Concert cast. Photo by Matt Crockett
- 05. Neal Foster as Charles II in Horrible Histories - The Concert. Photo by Matt Crockett
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- 02. Harrie Hayes as Death in Horrible Histories - The Concert. Photo by Matt Crockett
- 13. Horrible Histories - The Concert cast. Photo by Matt Crockett
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- 11. Harrie Hayes as Boudica in Horrible Histories - The Concert. Photo by Matt Crockett
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- 12. Horrible Histories - The Concert cast. Photo by Matt Crockett
- 14. Horrible Histories - The Concert cast. Photo by Matt Crockett
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the Horrible stage shows since 2005. Together, this extraordinary company unites the best of the smash-hit TV series with the legendary stage productions, promising a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans. When William Shakespeare is asked to create the greatest show on earth, he knows it won’t be easy – but he has no idea how much trouble he’ll get from monstrous monarchs like King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria! Things hot up when Death appears, and now Boudica and Cleopatra want to take over. Can things get any worse? Of course they can!
Featuring a live band led by Richie Webb performing his much-loved TV songs, with guest appearances from Charles II, Dick Turpin and a bunch of Vikings barging through the stage door, Horrible Histories – The Concert promises a truly Horrible night out. Bring your singing voices for a show that will make history come alive like never before!
Horrible Histories - The Concert is written by Ben Ward & Claire Wetton, songs & music by Richie Webb, directed by Neal Foster, designed by Jackie Trousdale, with lighting by Jason Taylor, sound by Nick Sagar and choreography by Lucie Pankhurst. Executive Producers are Richard Bradley and Simon Welton, for Lion Television, an All3Media Company.