Emma Swan stars in the West End return of Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, which will play at The Garrick Theatre this summer.
Neal Foster directs Emma Swan and Jack Ballard in this delightfully gruesome production about one of history’s most outrageous families.
The production opens on 1 August, with previews from 28 July, and plays until 3 September. Full listings and ticket information can be found here.
Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors is returning to the West End, what can you tell us about the production?
I’m so excited to be returning to the West End this year with Terrible Tudors because this production really is just so much fun. It’s a whistle stop tour throughout the Tudor period with speedy costume changes, songs, enormous wigs, dances, fun facts and lots of laughs.
Why do you think Horrible Histories remain so popular on the stage?
I think it remains so popular because it makes history exciting and funny for all the family. I had audience members aged 6-86 last year and they were all as loud as each other when joining in with the songs!
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Tell us a little about your roles and the characters you play?
It’s a two hander so we both play tons of different characters throughout the show. One minute I’m Henry VII, the next Anne Boleyn, then a whipping boy and suddenly a football fan. Birmingham Stage Company’s costume team are absolutely fantastic and I feel so lucky to be able to wear the wonderful costumes and wigs (particularly Elizabeth I’s!)
It’s a small team, how do you keep each other motivated?
With snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Anyone with a packet of custard creams will be the favourite that day.
What have you learned about the Tudors from being involved in this production?
I’ve learnt loads from being in Terrible Tudors. Horrible Christmas is also coming to the Barbican and on tour this Christmas, and the lines from that show and this one have taught me so much. Terrible Tudors is packed full of history facts and everything in the show, no matter how funny or silly, is true! After the show it’s also brilliant to meet children from the audience who have amazing history knowledge too – they are constantly teaching me new things!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors?
Stop thinking and book! The team say it’s “History with the nasty bits left in” and it really is – we have executions and poo jokes alongside rap battles and dance offs. We would absolutely love to see you in the audience!
