A categoric yes is an answer to this neat, fast-paced show, written by original writer Terry Deary and directed by Neal Foster, who also co-wrote the show. Performed by a cast of three, it entertains and thrills throughout. The level of comedy scares, and, most importantly, education is pitched perfectly, as the series has become famous for.
The cast comprises Rob Cummings as Dr Dee, Jack Ballard as Drab and Megan Parry as Dross, and they are full of wit, professionalism and an unnerving amount of energy to keep an audience of many children engrossed. It is fantastic to hear the enthusiastic and thrilled children leaving the theatre at both the interval and end of the show, and this, as the target audience, is the job done right. As an adult, it remains excellent entertainment, with knowing nods to material more likely to fall at the funny bone of the grown-up, including a few modern political comments.
The show is pitched at the level of a quality pantomime, keeping audience members of all ages interested and swaying some way into panto territory with shouts out and even a split audience singalong of a song which quickly follows members out the theatre doors at the show end.
The show runs as a series of sketch sequences, following the journey from the end of the House of York, with the demise of Richard III, as the House of Tudor takes charge, to their demise with the death of Elizabeth I.
During this show, there are some magnificent moments, including superb and catchy songs. A haunting moment also comes from a telling rendition of Greensleeves seeing the death of Anne Boleyn. The best moment comes later as Elizabeth's favourite, Shakespeare, becomes Will.i.am for a high comedy musical moment.
Also, in the second half, there is an added 3D Bogglevision element, as audience members are encouraged to wear 3D glasses. This clever and, at times, scary addition includes the grim demise of Mary, Queen of Scots, a decaying portrait, and creepy bugs.
In summary, Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors is immense fun. It combines plenty of comedy with education and great performances from the trio and their multitude of characters. The key to a show like this is how it grips the young, easily distracted audience, and here, the very bloodthirsty youngsters were thrilled from start to finish.
Magnificent entertainment. Far from as terrible as those Terrible Tudors
⭐⭐⭐⭐
