History has never been more gruesome—or more popular. Following a record-breaking run, Birmingham Stage Company is returning to London’s West End this summer with the ultimate historical romp: Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain - The Best Bits! Playing at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue from 30 July to 31 August 2026, this production marks a monumental double milestone: 21 years of Horrible Histories live on stage and a staggering 15 years of entertaining audiences in the West End.
The "Greatest Hits" of British History
Directed by Neal Foster, who also stars alongside Emma Swan, this special anniversary edition brings together the most beloved, bizarre, and brutal highlights from the legendary Barmy Britain series. In a 70-minute non-stop "romp through our nation’s remarkable past," families can expect a "wild ride" featuring everything from the putrid plague to the notorious Nightsoil Men.
The show dares audiences to face the fearsome facts: Will you survive the clutches of villainous body-snatchers Burke and Hare? Can you stand up to the cruel King John? From Gunpowder Guy to the Victorian era’s most farcical figures, it’s a fact-filled summer treat that The Guardian has officially dubbed a "British institution."
Fun for Ages 5 to 105
Based on the global phenomenon by Terry Deary—the world’s top-selling non-fiction author for children with over 36 million copies sold—the stage show has become the definitive first theatre trip for young audiences. As the producers jokingly note, the show is recommended for anyone aged 5 to 105 (though 106-year-olds are warned they might find it a bit much).
Booking Information
Venue: Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Dates: 30 July – 31 August 2026
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Barmy Britain - The Best Bits! is perfectly timed for the school summer holidays.
Tickets: Available now securely below.
Prepare for a "riotous month" of history with the nasty bits left in—because as any fan knows, history is much more fun when it’s horrible!
