Terry Deary’s books Horrible Histories have been hilariously
debunking the myth that history is boring since 1993, and continue to delight
audiences in both TV adaptations and in these theatrical versions by Birmingham
Stage. Currently on tour, Terrible Tudors appears at Storyhouse this week
alongside Awful Egyptians, and tickets are in short supply.
Watching this uproariously funny retelling of the Tudor
kings and queens, it’s hard not to be reminded of W.C Sellar’s 1935 book 1066
And All That, although of course the style of writing takes a much more
contemporary tone. Still, it was almost a surprise not to hear mention of
Katherine the Arrogant or Anne of Cloves.
Three storytellers Dr Dee, Drab and Dross (played by Simon
Nock, Izaak Cainer and Lisa Allen) race around the stage donning an impressive
dressing up box of costumes and they appear to be having huge fun in the
process. This effortlessly communicates itself to the audience who can’t resist
getting on their feet to join in with the fun. There is nothing effortless
about the performances though, with the actors throwing tremendous energy into
every mirth-packed minute.
Staging is simply done but kept colourful and interesting by
the use of an animated rear projection, and after the interval this is given an
added dimension with the use of 3D glasses. Whilst quite a few Christmas shows
have used short 3D sequences in recent years, this company have boldly set the
entire second act this way, and far from being a gimmick it really ramps up the
excitement.
The history itself is certainly a revelation. Comic liberties
are taken, of course, but the facts are all there in the right places. It’s
just a shame that these talented folk weren’t about in the classroom when I was
at school, as I suspect I may have learned a lot more. This ought to be
compulsory material on the syllabus.
Terrible Tudors and its separate companion piece Awful
Egyptians are at Storyhouse at various times of day until Friday, after which
they continue their tour at Kings Theatre Portsmouth and New Victoria Woking,
with dates up to 23rd November.
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| Lisa Allen, Simon Nock and Izaak Cainer in Terrible Tudors - Photo (c) Mark Douet |
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