UK Theatre Network

Seeing the packed house of parents and children at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre for the opening night of Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians is testament to the huge success of Terry Deary’s best selling books and the subsequent TV series. Adapted by John-Paul Cherrington, this production is brought to life by Birmingham Stage Company and with an added ‘3D’ twist.

The Eye of Horus is literally upon you from the moment you enter the auditorium and the opening music, sound effects and stage action sets an exciting atmosphere right from the start. In the Egyptian gallery of a museum, a couple of thieves are attempting to steal the Statue of Ramesses , but that’s not a wise move with the Curse of the Mummy on hand and before you know it, the pharaoh himself is back among the living. We are taken on a journey that offers both facts and fun.  How did they build The Pyramids? How were mummies prepared? And true to form, the most gruesome and gory details inspire the greatest groans but deep down enjoyment from the audience.

The Horrible Histories tradition of relating historical information through humorous songs - (listen out especially for ‘I Got NoBody’ and ‘Body Rap’) – as well as imaginative story-telling, is not only upheld but added to with the excellent use of  projections. Throughout the first half, the screen images reinforce the facts in a novel way that the children clearly enjoy. However it is the second half of the show that features the fine 3D effects by Amazing Interactives. Having picked up bogglevision glasses in the interval, the action really picks up a pace as the characters race through the tombs of pharaohs seeking treasures, get lost in the maze of 3D passages and finally reach the Afterlife which is ‘as beautiful as Aylesbury’!

This is an energetic show with enthusiastic performances from the cast. There is plenty of opportunity for audience interaction with painful puns, competitive singalongs and the ‘under your seat’ treasure hunt. It’s certainly a novel experience to leave a theatre having ducked out of the way of hurtling boulders, floating Mummies and slithering serpents. So perhaps this is one show that the children really wouldn’t want to miss!

*Awful Egyptians rotates with Ruthless Romans at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Saturday 16th April.  Check out the website and box office for performance times.

Box Office:                0844 871 7607 (bkg fee)

Groups Hotline:        0844 871 7614

Access Booking:      0844 871 7677 (bkg fee)

Online Booking:        www.ambassadortickets.com/aylesbury   (bkg fee)

 
Reviewed by:
Shirley Moon and Harrison (aged 9)