A CRITICALLY acclaimed West End production of Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain has embarked on its first national tour and will arrive at Durham’s Gala Theatre next month.

From mounting a mutiny against King Henry VIII, to helping Georgian detectives find the headless man, to discovering the fate of Queen Elizabeth I’s teeth, the production features all new scenes and the opportunity to meet some of history’s most notorious characters.

The show is inspired by North-East author Terry Deary’s much-loved books and, to celebrate its County Durham stage debut, libraries across the county are running a competition to win a family ticket.

Anyone who borrows or reserves a Horrible Histories book from a Durham County Council library before Wednesday, February 20, will be entered into a prize draw to win.

Gala-goers may also recognise the show’s star, Pip Chamberlin, who played Corporal Crosby in the theatre’s pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, last year.

The actor, who has appeared in numerous television programmes and theatre productions, said: “The Barmy Britain shows have taken me all around the world, but it’s such a buzz to come back to the Gala Theatre. The crowds here are the best and I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fun.

“Horrible Histories is not a boring history lesson; essentially it’s interesting facts with gags.”

The show is at 1.30pm and 4pm on Sunday, 3 March. Tickets cost £15.50, £14 for concessions, £54 for a family ticket or £12.50 for groups of ten and over.

To book, visit galadurham.co.uk or call 03000-266-600.