'Phantoms of the Popera' starring G4
Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
8 March 2027 to 29 March 2027 (selected dates)
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – live family stage show with 3D effects, ages 5+, running 1hr 50mins. Book tickets at venues across the UK.
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain is a live family stage show based on Terry Deary's books, illustrated by Martin Brown, bringing notorious figures from British history to the stage with 3D effects and the nasty bits left in. The production runs for 1 hour 50 minutes and is recommended for ages 5 and above.
The production moves through British history via a roster of well-known and notorious figures. Boudica, Richard the Lionheart, Elizabeth I, Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin, Burke and Hare, and Queen Victoria all feature, with each segment drawing on the grimmer or more outlandish aspects of the period. The approach follows that of the source books, which present history's unpleasant realities rather than softening them.
Historical figures appear performed by actors on stage. Episodes include the plague, executions, and the Gunpowder Plot, and the production pitches itself at the whole family rather than solely at children.
The show incorporates 3D effects described in the sources as eye-popping, intended to make on-stage visuals appear to extend towards the audience and historical figures seem to hover within reach. This is presented as a core part of the production rather than an optional extra.
The age guidance is 5 and above. The show contains flashing lights and loud music, which is worth considering for children or adults with sensitivities to either. The running time of 1 hour 50 minutes is also worth bearing in mind when attending with younger children.
These are the dates listed by ATG as checked on 21 September 2026. A date range may contain selected performances, rather than a show every day. Open your chosen venue link for exact times, seats and current prices.
| Venue | Town or city | Dates | Booking status | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Alexandra, Birmingham | Birmingham | Thu 11 Mar 2027 - Sat 13 Mar 2027 | On sale | Book tickets |
| Woking Theatre | Woking | Thu 18 Mar 2027 - Sat 20 Mar 2027 | On sale | Book tickets |
| Opera House Manchester | Manchester | Thu 24 Jun 2027 - Sat 26 Jun 2027 | On sale | Book tickets |
| Milton Keynes Theatre | Milton Keynes | Thu 1 Jul 2027 - Sat 3 Jul 2027 | On sale | Book tickets |
| Grand Opera House York | York | Thu 22 Jul 2027 - Sat 24 Jul 2027 | On sale | Book tickets |
| King's Theatre, Glasgow | Glasgow | Thu 9 Sept 2027 - Sat 11 Sept 2027 | On sale | Book tickets |
Start with the venue and date that suit your trip, then compare the seats offered by ATG. Check the final total, any restricted-view information and the ticket conditions before paying. Availability and prices can change; the listed run dates do not guarantee seats for every performance.
Our venue guides cover getting there, seating and access information: The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Woking Theatre, Manchester Opera House, Milton Keynes Theatre, Grand Opera House, York, King's Theatre, Glasgow. If you need accessible seating or an assisted performance, check the arrangements for that venue and date with ATG before booking.
Tickets are sold by ATG Tickets, which handles checkout and booking support. British Theatre may earn a commission from the affiliate links on this page.
The production runs for 1 hour 50 minutes.
The age guidance is 5 and above.
Yes. The production contains flashing lights and loud music, which should be considered by anyone with relevant sensitivities.
The show features 3D effects designed to make on-stage visuals appear to project towards the audience.
Choose a venue from the dates table and follow its ATG Tickets link. You can then check performance times, available seats and the total price before paying.
The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham: Thu 11 Mar 2027 - Sat 13 Mar 2027; Woking Theatre: Thu 18 Mar 2027 - Sat 20 Mar 2027; Manchester Opera House: Thu 24 Jun 2027 - Sat 26 Jun 2027; Milton Keynes Theatre: Thu 1 Jul 2027 - Sat 3 Jul 2027; Grand Opera House, York: Thu 22 Jul 2027 - Sat 24 Jul 2027; King's Theatre, Glasgow: Thu 9 Sept 2027 - Sat 11 Sept 2027.
ATG Tickets sells the tickets and handles checkout, ticket delivery and booking support. British Theatre may earn a commission from these links.
Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham B5 4DS
Birmingham New Street Station and Grand Central are only a few steps from the theatre, so the walk takes just a couple of minutes. Intercity services run into New Street from major towns and cities, including hourly trains from London.
Most city buses stop within a five-minute walk of the theatre. For timetables, call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (landline calls charged at 10p per minute) or check Network West Midlands online.
The Alexandra has no car park of its own. The nearest public option is Apex Parking on St Judes Passage, roughly 200m away, which has chargeable Blue Badge bays. Q-Park Mailbox offers 50 per cent off when you pre-book through the theatre's Q-Park link; you must pre-book to qualify and terms and conditions apply. There is also street parking on Station Street with marked Blue Badge bays maintained by Birmingham City Council, measuring 210cm x 490cm (6ft 11in x 16ft 1in).
Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
8 March 2027 to 29 March 2027 (selected dates)
Norman Bragg Studio, Aylesbury Waterside
15 November 2026 to 15 November 2026 (selected dates)
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
18 January 2027 to 30 January 2027 (selected dates)
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain