“One of our favourite genres of theatre is 'plays that should be impossible to stage'.”
Tell us about the concept of the show and what inspired it?
One of our favourite genres of theatre is “plays that should be impossible to stage”. In the past we’ve performed The War of the Worlds, The Odyssey and the entirety of The Canterbury Tales. This show follows in the tradition of being overly ambitious on a small budget. It calls for invention, imagination and lots of silliness. We also love a good story well told and British history is full of stories.Can you give us a taste of the genres and historical time periods you’ll be matching together?
Henry VIII as a romantic comedy (and also as a gritty British gangster film). The Spanish Armada as a Gilbert and Sullivan parody. The life of Lady Jane Grey presented in the genre of Picnic Basket Puppetry, which is probably undervalued as an artform.
Which era are you most excited to recreate on stage?
My favourite is the lawlessness of the late 17th / early 18th Century when the roads were plagued with highwaymen, the coasts riddled with smugglers and the seas blighted with pirates. It’s a fascinating time of what is essentially entrepreneurial crime.
Describe the show in three words
Historical; hysterical; unable to follow the rules.
Which historical figure are you most looking forward to play?
Any larger than life characters are great fun to play, particularly villains, so I’d have to say Henry VIII.
You have been part of the festival many times – what do you enjoy most about performing in the Roman Theatre venue?
Aside from the supportive team at the venue and the fantastic audiences, it has to be the history of the venue. We’re mostly an open-air company so it is wonderful to get to perform at one of the venues where it all started.
Why should audiences come and watch the show?
If you have even the slightest interest in British history, comedy or brightly coloured polo shirts it’s a great night out for all ages.
And lastly, since it’s The Roman Theatre, can you tell us if we’ll be getting a taste of Roman-era Britain?…
The Romans invade very early in the show and certainly make a few changes around the place.
You can see The Pantaloon’s production of The (Almost) Complete History Of Britain at the OVO Roman Theatre Open Air Festival from 21st – 23rd June 2026.
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