Book: John-Paul Cherrington
Music: Matthew Scott
Director: Neal Foster
Awful Egyptians, penned by John-Paul Cherrington, is a theatrical adaptation of the beloved CBBC children’s history show and the accompanying book series by Terry Deary. The show has been adapted for stage by the undisputed masters of Children’s theatre, The Birmingham Stage Company, as it embarks on its UK tour, promising to captivate families along the way. As with the TV show, the show follows the trusted formula of comical sketches, full of toilet humour and the odd in-joke thrown in for the parents’ benefit.
The story centres around a teacher and a student who find themselves locked in a museum after hours after the guard forgets to check the toilets before leaving for the evening. As the story unfolds, the artefacts within the museum magically come to life, introducing the audience to a spirited history lesson led by none other than Ramesses II, portrayed by Rob Cummings. The narrative effortlessly blends humor and education, making it both entertaining and informative for young viewers.
The show is a three-hander starring Rob Cummings, Jack Ballard, and Megan Parry. Each is a dynamic triple-threat performer, bringing immense energy and versatility to their roles. Cummings steals the show with his plasticine face and vocal fluidity. His ‘Make Egypt Great Again’, sketch is fantastic, with both children and parents roaring with laughter. His ability to flip from the aggressive gravitas of Ramesses II, to the Donald Trump-esque portrayal of Egypt’s first Pharaoh to the Billy Connolly-inspired Aye, keeps the children interested and engaged throughout. The physical and vocal dexterity required to flip from character to character this way is a testament to his incredible talent, matched with Foster’s impeccable direction style. The use of humor in Awful Egyptians is a key factor in its success. Parry is delightfully juvenile in her delivery and blends beautifully with Cummings’ larger than life portrayal of the Pharaoh and Ballard’s nervous disposition as her long-suffering teacher. Together they have created the perfect blend of talent and toilet humour that every children’s show needs.
By incorporating physical comedy and witty dialogue, the production ensures that the educational content is delivered in a light-hearted way. This approach keeps children engaged and enhances their retention of historical facts and concepts. The frequent breaking of the fourth wall adds an extra layer of excitement, allowing the children the freedom to actively participate in the story. There are plenty of opportunities for the little ones to take part in the action of the show from dance routines, to excavations and even the opportunity to meet a mummy or two. In the second act, the production steps up its game with the introduction of 3D boggle vision on the projector screen. While the graphics and visuals are impressive, the duration of this segment could be challenging for young children to maintain focus, especially when wearing flimsy paper glasses.
Despite the timing of the 3D segment, Awful Egyptians is a brilliant show that will leave children thoroughly engaged and entertained. The combination of humor, history, and interactive elements makes it a delightful experience that will ignite a passion in young minds about the fascinating world of ancient Egypt.
Jacqueline Trousdale has crafted a minimalist set that perfectly aligns with the show’s fast-paced changes. The set comprises two simple portals and a central projection screen, creating an immersive atmosphere for the audience. The use of a minimalist set allows the narrative to take center stage, while the interactive elements ensure that young audiences remain captivated throughout the show as they dodge the various critters as part of the action.
By bringing history to life in this way, the production offers a magical experience for families. Neal Foster has brought together a tight and pacey show that will delight the children and parents alike. Awful Egyptians is a testament to the power of theatre as a powerful educational resource. As the UK tour continues, Awful Egyptians is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences, a family night out that will form memories to last a lifetime.
Runs until 19 April 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
Frightfully fabulous family fun
