Horrible Histories is bringing two separate stage shows to Theatre Royal Brighton during October half-term, with Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians running between 29 and 31 October 2026.
Families can choose between Henry VIII’s turbulent royal world and ancient Egypt’s pharaohs and mummies. Both productions combine live actors with 3D effects, with daytime and early-evening performances across the three-day visit.
At a glance
| Where | Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, BN1 1SD |
|---|---|
| When | 29–31 October 2026, with different times for each show |
| Age guidance | 5+ for both productions |
| Tickets | From £16.64 on the official booking calendars when checked on 24 October; prices vary by seat and performance |
| Running times | Terrible Tudors: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Awful Egyptians: approximately 1 hour 55 minutes according to the Brighton listing. Both include an interval. |
Which Horrible Histories show should you choose?
Terrible Tudors follows the dynasty’s rulers, religious upheaval and royal executions, including Henry VIII’s wives and the Spanish Armada. Awful Egyptians turns to pyramids, burial customs and the afterlife, with Ramesses among its historical subjects. The gruesome humour and theatrical effects are central to both productions.
Who is in the cast?
The touring company features Jack Ballard as Drab / Mr Bland, Rob Cummings as Dr Dee / Ramesses, Megan Parry as Dross / Milly and Stuart Ash as Drudge / Understudy, according to the producer’s cast list.
Neal Foster directs both productions. Terrible Tudors is written by Terry Deary and Foster, while Awful Egyptians is written by John-Paul Cherrington.
The original Horrible Histories television team went on to create and star in Ghosts. These Brighton performances are Birmingham Stage Company’s touring stage productions, with the separate cast listed above.
These are live theatre productions rather than screenings of course. The 5+ guidance is worth weighing alongside your child’s response to stories about death, executions and mummies, as well as the 3D effects.
Brighton performance dates and tickets
| Date | Terrible Tudors | Awful Egyptians |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 29 October | 2pm | No performance listed |
| Friday 30 October | 6.30pm | 2pm |
| Saturday 31 October | 11am | 3pm |
The two titles have separate booking pages. Check the show name as well as the date and time before selecting seats. Buying a ticket for one production does not book the other.
ATG lists Awful Egyptians at 1 hour 55 minutes including the interval, while the producer gives an approximate running time of 1 hour 50 minutes. Allow around two hours and check with the theatre if arranging a collection.
On tour
Where next after Brighton?
After Theatre Royal Brighton, both Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians travel to Lighthouse, Poole, from 5 to 8 November 2026. This is the final stop currently listed on the official tour schedule.
Getting to Theatre Royal Brighton and access
The theatre is on New Road, close to the Royal Pavilion. If you are making a day of it, our Brighton and Hove family guide has ideas for other outings, while our rainy-day guide to Sussex covers indoor alternatives.
There is step-free entry through the New Road box office and step-free access to the Stalls. The theatre has no lift, so the upper levels require stairs. Its access guide explains wheelchair positions, accessible toilets and the Mobile Connect hearing system. Check suitable seats and any specific requirements before booking.
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