Horrible Histories Headed to the Garrick Theatre

Barmy Britain by Terry Deary Set to Arrive in the West End in 2012

It won’t be the first time that the “Horrible Histories” brand has made it to the stage, but it will be the first time that this new play from the team arrives in front of those with theatre tickets as “Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain gains its premiere at the Garrick Theatre in 2012. Penned by Terry Deary, the mastermind behind the series of children’s books on which the play (and television shows, plus various other spin-offs) is based, among others, the show will deal with various issues from Britain’s history.

“Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain” looks at various comical aspects – in particular ‘barmy’ people – from British history and as a result manages to highlight the eccentricities and quirks of our nation’s past. There’s of course plenty of blood and carnage along the way, but we will also visit some well known faces, from Guy Fawkes and his attempt to explode Parliament to Henry VIII’s famous exploits in the 16th century. The show has been described as suitable for those above the age of six and will be directed by Neal Foster, who writes alongside Deary and Ciaran McConville.

The cast includes Benedict Martin and Lauryn Redding.

The “Horrible Histories” series has been enormously popular since they first emerged in the early 1990s, with their engaging method of detailing British history through illustrations, unusual content and often gory episodes they have sold in the millions around the world. The best known author of the series is Terry Deary, though he has also penned various other books as part of other series as well. He was also behind other plays, such as “The Frightful First World War” and “The Blitzed Brits” alongside the Birmingham Stage Company, in addition to “Vile Victorians” and “Terrible Tudors”, which were also produced by the company in ‘bogglevision 3D’.

The Garrick Theatre was in the news recently as the new replacement venue for “Chicago” following the musical’s departure from the Cambridge Theatre in August, which made way for the acclaimed production of “Matilda the Musical”.

“Horrible Histories” will play in daytimes at the Garrick Theatre from 14th February 2012.