Horrible Histories – The Concert – Milton Keynes Theatre

Music and Lyrics: Richie Webb

Writers: Ben Ward and Claire Wetton

Director: Neal Foster

There are children’s shows — and then there are shows that genuinely entertain the entire family. Horrible Histories – The Concert firmly falls into the latter category, transforming the beloved Horrible Histories into a loud, lively, and laugh-out-loud stage spectacular. Taking inspiration from the series of children’s books penned by Terry Deary and the subsequent BBC children’s infotainment show that followed, Horrible Histories – The Concert heads out on tour across the UK.

Jackie Trousdale’s set is simple and functional, a simple drum riser band setup under a huge ornate gold frame, upon which Will Duke’s pre-recorded sketches and karaoke graphics are projected. The action then unfolds in front of the band over the course of the evening, wonderfully simplistic and easily digested by the young audience. The production cleverly mixes live action with pre-recorded comic sketches, imagining historical figures navigating the backstage world of a modern theatre. These filmed segments add a contemporary twist and include cheeky nods to current entertainment staples such as Britain’s Got Talent, which draw appreciative laughs from the audience.

Each number is loosely stitched together with energetic dance routines, quick costume changes, and karaoke-style sing-alongs that keep the auditorium buzzing. Audience participation feels enthusiastic but never overwhelming, creating a lively, panto cum festival-like atmosphere that keeps children engaged from start to finish.

The evening is hosted by William Shakespeare, brought to life by Richard David-Caine in a delightfully layered performance. His portrayal is playful and sharply observed, blending exaggerated physical comedy with gestures and reactions rooted firmly in TikTok culture — something younger audience members instantly latch onto. At the same time, he maintains a warm, relaxed stage presence that anchors the chaos around him. He looks utterly at home on stage and, most importantly, as  if he is having the time of his life.

Caine is joined by seven multi-talented triple-threat performers, many of whom appear in the television version of Horrible Histories for the BBC. Their chemistry is evident, and they switch effortlessly between monarchs, marauders, dancers, and comic foils. The sheer stamina on display, vocally, physically, and comedically, is impressive, and the ensemble dynamic gives the show much of its infectious momentum. The concert structure is simple but effective: a succession of monarchs step forward to perform their own musical numbers, each telling their story in gloriously over-the-top fashion. The songs are witty, fast-paced and deceptively educational, weaving facts into parody so seamlessly that the learning feels incidental. Parents quickly recognise the musical inspiration behind many of the numbers, as the show cleverly riffs on popular modern hits, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for adults in the room.

A real highlight is the live band featuring a fabulously theatrical Richie Webb, the mastermind behind the franchise’s iconic songs.   Webb jumps in and out of the action like an omnipresent narrator, keeping Shakespeare on track and prodding a plot device or two along the way. Jackie Trousdale has taken more than a sniff of inspiration from the West End production Six, with the band in full Glamrock Tudor costume and a narrative competition unfolding before them. Having the original composer on stage brings authenticity and infectious energy to the performance, elevating the familiar tunes into full-blown theatre anthems. The family-friendly humour is knowingly self-aware, even commenting on its own questionable accents while sustaining the overall silliness that defines the brand. Throughout, it delivers concise snippets of knowledge without disrupting the comic flow. Although primarily aimed at children, the humour lands equally well with adults, never straying into inappropriate territory. Importantly, the tone is neither patronising nor condescending; instead, it adopts an inclusive approach that invites the entire audience to participate.

While the production is clearly well-received by its target audience, the overall running time feels slightly extended for a younger demographic. The pace eases somewhat before the interval and then accelerates noticeably in the second half. However, this structural imbalance does little to diminish the enthusiasm of the children in attendance, whose sustained engagement ultimately serves as the most reliable measure of the show’s success.

Fast-paced, energetic and consistently inventive, Horrible Histories – The Concert presents history as vivid, musical and entertaining. It offers an accessible introduction to Britain’s monarchical past while delivering a professionally executed family theatre experience that successfully bridges education and entertainment. A thrilling night out for any blood thirsty ankle biter!

Runs until 28 February 2026 and on tour