In Five Mistakes that Changed History (Assembly George Square Studios, Studio 3), historian and comedian Paul Coulter chooses—as the name of the show suggests—five events that could be seen as mistakes that, in his opinion, changed history. It’s a good title and should pique the interest of all ages, especially those who like history and slightly tall tales. He chooses a variety of mistakes/mishaps/missteps from a wide spectrum of historical eras and tells each story with huge enthusiasm and a sense of fun. Whilst the stories are true—as far as anyone can tell at least, and Coulter has very evidently done his research very thoroughly—they are far from stuffy or boring.
Coulter is a fine raconteur and is very clearly smitten by his subject. Despite its name, the venue is hardly a studio—it’s much more like a lecture hall—but any concerns that this might be a dry lecture are soon dispelled. His illustrated talk is full of fun and nonsense, but all based on historical facts. It’s hinted that he could have chosen many more tales to tell than the five he has chosen for this year’s Fringe, so look out for more fun to come.
Why can’t school lessons be more like Five Mistakes that Changed History? Paul’s a bit like the history teacher you wish you’d had and who would have kept the class entertained and rapt. This hour’s show has no gimmicks, but it’s so engaging and entertaining that I soon forgot I was there to review it—I was immersed. I love history too, but I certainly didn’t know about Alexander the Great’s ‘Big Mistake’ or why tomatoes were so terrifying for several centuries.
I urge you to go and see Five Mistakes that Changed History and find out for yourself. Take everyone you know with you—it really is a show for pretty much all the family: the info suggests 12 years up, but I certainly know younger kids who would love it. They’d have to be the sort who’d want to go to school dressed as a historical figure though! Paul Coulter has found his métier and no mistake.
