Review: PROM 11: HORRIBLE HISTORIES - 'ORRIBLE OPERA, Royal Albert Hall

I must start this review with a confession - I’m not the biggest fan of opera. Even though I’ve worked at the Metropolitan Opera House and currently volunteer at the Royal Opera House, the art form has never really appealed to me. But, this leads me to another confession - I love Horrible Histories and would probably watch anything they put on at least once. So when the Horrible Histories ‘Orrible Opera was announced for the 2023 BBC Proms, I knew that I would have to attend.

The performance of ‘Orrible Opera that I attended was a relaxed performance, meaning that it was “designed to suit individuals or groups who feel more comfortable attending concerts in a relaxed environment.” It was also great to see a British Sign Language interpreter there!

For those unfamiliar with Horrible Histories, the series uses dark humour to make history more appealing to kids. I grew up with the books by Terry Deary and loved the sketch show the books inspired which had hit parody songs like “Charles II - The King of Bling,” “The Four Georges - Born 2 Rule,” “Dick Turpin, Highwayman Song,” and of course, “The Monarchs’ Song.” 

‘Orrible Opera takes the concept of a historical sketch show and brings it to the world of opera, using dark and potty humour to make the art form more interesting to children (and to bring some amusement to the adults as well!). The show is hosted by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who is joined by historical icons like Queen Victoria, George Gershwin, and even some Vikings! These characters perform alongside professional opera singers, including the English National Opera accompanying as a chorus.

Some opera classics like “Ride of the Valkyries” from The Valkyrie and “The Major-General’s Song” from The Pirates of Penzance were mixed with Horrible Histories songs like “Literally (The Viking Song)” and “Meet My Family.” The show programme included notes by Rattus Rattus, the rat from the show, who makes a few rat-themed and poop jokes while also providing some additional information about the operas sampled in the show.

The show itself was quite fun, even though it has clearly been made for children; it was a great introduction to opera for many of the young people at the show! The orchestra was fantastic, the singers were lovely, and the actors were hilarious, especially the actors playing Mozart and Victoria, two characters with very different personalities. 

Ultimately, Prom 11: Horrible Histories ‘Orrible Opera is a delightful show that will amuse audiences of all ages while making opera more approachable. Both the performers on stage and the audience were clearly having fun, as perfectly illustrated by the ending singalong to “The Monarchs’ Song.” I hope that the show introduced more people to opera and will allow them to fall in love with the art form!

Prom 11: Horrible Histories ‘Orrible Opera ran at the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall on 22 July.

Photo Credit: Royal Albert Hall

The BBC proms continues until 9 September

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