Horrible Histories to tour car parks for drive-in performances

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain is to tour a drive-in version of the show to car parks across the UK this summer.

Audiences will watch from their cars, enabling socially distanced performances to take place, with sound transmitted to each car’s radio.

The first confirmed show will be in Henley on July 11, with further dates to be announced.

Birmingham Stage Company’s adaptations of the Horrible Histories books have been touring for 15 years, with 18 different productions based on Terry Deary’s children’s history books.

The company’s actor-manager Neal Foster said: "We’re delighted to be taking part in this innovative and crazy venture. We’ve played the West End, Broadway and the Sydney Opera House so it’s brilliant to be able to bring our West End hit Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain back to a stage, albeit an unusual one – I’m sure we’ll never forget playing a car park.

"We’re excited to see what it will be like playing to an audience of cars, so let’s get those windscreen wipers waving, car horns blaring and emergency lights flashing. Britain has never been so barmy and Horrible Histories is revving up."

The performances are being staged as part of the Coalition Agency’s Car Park Party season, which also includes a tie-up with the Comedy Store to stage drive-in comedy shows and a series of mass karaoke events with Massaoke, themed around family movies, musicals and 80s music.

Coalition Agency’s chief executive, Guy Robinson, said: "We’ve been fans of Horrible Histories Live on Stage for a very long time and are thrilled to be working with Birmingham Stage Company on this unique tour. Whether you arrive in a Rolls Royce or an old banger, you’ll be in the fast lane for fun without moving an inch."

Last week, theatre venue company Troubadour announced plans to open a drive-in theatre in Enfield, north London, showing films and recorded theatre performances, while English National Opera have plans to stage a series of drive-in operas at Alexandra Palace.