WELL-KNOWN figures from British heritage of recent centuries will be given the Horrible Histories treatment in outdoor performances this weekend.

Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Queen Victoria are just some of the familiar figures coming to County Durham as part of the Horrible Histories UK tour.

Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians can be seen at Wharton Park, Durham, in four outdoor performances, on Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24.

The hilarious hit show will take audiences on a gag-filled gallop through two centuries of British history in the picturesque setting of the restored park.

Written by the world’s best-selling non-fiction children’s author, Terry Deary, from County Durham, and one of the country’s leading children’s theatre producers, Neal Foster, the show concentrates on the gory, silly, strange and disgusting aspects of life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Described as “Monty Python meets history”, Mr Foster said the two-man show is, “great fun as well as informative, full of funny jokes and silly songs and a perfect afternoon of family theatre.

“We always love coming to the North East with Horrible Histories as it’s the home of the creator, Terry.

He added: “To be playing outdoors is also an extra thrill, so we cannot wait to present Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians in Durham.

“It’s going to be, ‘horrible’.”

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member whose portfolio covers culture, said: “It’s wonderful to see live performances taking place in the county again and this show is the perfect treat for families after such a difficult year.

“Not only will it keep youngsters entertained and give them some funny stories to share with their friends, but it will teach them about important periods of British history in a truly memorable way.”

The performances will be staged in the park’s amphitheatre, with seating on the surrounding grass banks.

Ticket holders are advised to bring a blanket to sit on, plus waterproofs in case of showers and are advised to arrive and park early.

Limited paid for parking will be available at Wharton Park, but there is also ample free parking at County Hall, less than a ten-minute walk away.

The park café will be open for refreshments.

Although the amphitheatre does not have a roof, performances will only be cancelled if there is a safety concern for audiences, staff or the theatre company.

Tickets are priced at £15.50, £14 for concessions, or £12.50 for groups of ten and more and can be booked online via the Durham Gala Theatre website.

The Friday shows are at 4.30pm and 7pm and on Saturday “curtain up” is at 11am and 2pm.

 

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