Name: Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits
Rating: 5.0

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits

31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EZ, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Finding the best things to do with kids in Soho, West London, often leads families to exciting theatrical stage productions, and Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits at the Apollo Theatre delivers an unmissable live experience.

Standard ticket prices start from £19.50, with exact costs varying depending on your chosen seating tier, performance date, and how far in advance you book. Staged in a historic West End venue, this vibrant production brings centuries of quirky national heritage to life through high-energy comedy, interactive sketches, and historical facts.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this laugh-out-loud theatrical show offers a brilliant blend of educational entertainment, silly humor, and fast-paced history. Young audiences and parents alike can enjoy reliving the most dramatic historical episodes together.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

What makes Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits unique?

An interactive educational format that combines messy historical fun with school curriculum topics to keep children fully engaged.
A fast-paced review style packing centuries of historical chaos into a compact running time ideal for younger attention spans.
A talented compact cast switching between multiple famous historical personages using quick costume changes and energetic physical comedy.
A celebrated West End tradition bringing popular literary and television concepts directly onto a live theatrical stage.

Top 5 Highlights

What happens during the battle with Boudicca segment? The show kicks off with the fierce warrior queen challenging Roman rule through high-energy comic banter and audience participation. Kids love shouting out warnings and cheering on the historical rebellion.
How is the Magna Carta brought to life with King John? A reluctant monarch is put on the spot to sign history's most famous charter amid royal tantrums and silly gags. It makes learning constitutional history genuinely hilarious for young viewers.
Why is the segment on the putrid plague so popular? Gruesome facts and gross-out humor combine as actors explore medieval remedies and symptoms with theatrical flair. Children giggle uncontrollably at the delightfully gross historical truths.
What makes the encounter with Dick Turpin stand out? The legendary highwayman leaps into action with high-stakes robbery antics and cheeky musical interludes. It brings classic outlaw folklore right to the front of the stage.
How does party Queen Victoria close out the show? The monarch trades her stern reputation for a vibrant musical groove that gets the whole auditorium moving. Families enjoy the lighthearted modern twist on Victorian history.

Facilities

Toilets: Restroom facilities equipped with baby-changing spaces are located throughout the theatre building.
Buggy Parking: Prams and pushchairs must be left in designated cloakroom areas as they cannot enter the seating rows.
Booster Seats: Child booster cushions are available from theatre staff upon arrival to help smaller children see clearly over rows ahead.
Dining Options: Countless family-friendly restaurants, pizzerias, and casual cafes line Shaftesbury Avenue and surrounding Soho streets.

Pro-Tips for visiting parents

Arrive 30 Minutes Early: Doors open around half an hour before curtain time, giving your family plenty of time to clear security, pick up booster seats, and settle in without stress.
Book Aisle Seats: Selecting seats on the aisle gives kids a closer view as performers interact directly with the crowd during comedic moments.
Check Age Guidance: While marketed for ages 5 and up, the loud sound effects and cheeky gross-out humor suit primary-school-aged children best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain worth it for toddlers? No, the show is recommended for ages 5 and above, making it less suitable for toddlers who may struggle with live theatrical lighting and sudden loud noises. Children under 18 months are admitted as babes-in-arms without a ticket, but primary-school-aged children will get the most enjoyment out of the historical jokes.
How long does a visit take? The live performance runs for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes with no interval. Families should plan to arrive about 30 minutes before curtain time to handle security checks and find their seats.
Where is the best place to park? The most convenient parking option is Q-Park Chinatown, located just a short walk away from the Apollo Theatre. Pre-booking your parking space online before your trip guarantees a spot and streamlines your journey into central London.
Are there cheap family tickets available for the London run? Yes, standard tickets start from £19.50, and dedicated family bundles are available for groups of four. Booking ahead gives you the best selection of affordable seats for summer holiday outings.

What to see

Key Show Elements and Features

Set and Costume Props: Cleverly designed multi-purpose props that transform the stage instantly from Roman Britain to Victorian London.
Foyer Refreshment Stands: On-site snack counters offering drinks and light treats before the performance begins.
Souvenir Stands: Foyer kiosks stocked with Horrible Histories books, tour merchandise, and themed gifts.
Cloakroom Facilities: Secure bag storage options available for bulky coats, school bags, and umbrellas.
Accessible Stalls Platform: Step-free access routes and dedicated platform stair lifts for wheelchair users.
Infrared Hearing Loops: Assisted listening setups fitted for patrons needing audio support during the show.

What Visitors Love

Engaging Educational Comedy: Parents frequently praise how effectively the production turns dry school history topics into an hour of pure entertainment.
Perfect Running Time: Reviewers highlight that the 70-minute runtime without an interval keeps younger children thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
Welcoming Theatre Staff: Visitors often note that front-of-house ushers are exceptionally friendly and helpful when guiding families to their seats.

What Visitors Don't Like

Limited Legroom in Upper Tiers: Some patrons mention that older historic seating rows in higher levels feature tighter legroom for taller adults.
Busy Foyer Crowds: Navigating the main entrance and lobby areas just before showtime can feel packed and hurried.
Fast Ticket Demand: Securing preferred weekend matinee slots requires booking well in advance due to high seasonal popularity.

What is beyond the main attraction nearby?

Chinatown London: A vibrant neighborhood steps away packed with pedestrianized walkways, bakeries, and family-friendly eateries.
Leicester Square: A bustling public entertainment hub featuring street performers, movie flagship stores, and open spaces.
Piccadilly Circus: A famous central London junction surrounded by iconic digital billboards and classic West End architecture.
National Gallery: Located a short walk away in Trafalgar Square, offering free family art exhibitions and interactive trails.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits: From £19.50
Family of 4 (Mon–Fri): £94
Family of 4 (Sat–Sun): £105.40
Groups 10+: £19 per ticket

Pricing URL: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/horrible-histories-barmy-britain-the-best-bits-2026/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Dedicated private birthday party packages are not managed directly through standard box office booking systems for this West End run. For group celebrations, large family gatherings, or special event inquiries, contact the group booking department of Nimax Theatres directly.

Address: 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EZ, UK

Post Code: W1D 7EZ

Council: City of Westminster

County: Greater London

By Tube: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) stations sit within a short 3-minute walk.
By Bus: Central London bus routes 14, 19, and 38 stop directly outside or near Shaftesbury Avenue.
By Car: Driving into central London incurs the Congestion Charge, making public transit the recommended travel choice.
Nearby Parking Garages: Secure multi-storey parking facilities such as Q-Park Chinatown operate within easy walking distance of Shaftesbury Avenue.