BACK TO SCHOOL - HORRIBLE HISTORIES

Since being a Mummy, everything has been a learning curve especially since Luke's been at school. I am learning more and more, especially when it comes to his different topics. I was never interested in history and actually can't remember that much about it from my school days. Last year I was fortunate enough to visit Chester and the Deva centre in Chester on Luke's school trip, it was very interesting so I've made a conscious effort to learn more history!

Last Christmas I bought Luke the full box set of books of 'Horrible Histories', it's a popular TV series too that makes History interesting, and from what I've heard shows a lot of gore and hilarious songs.

The Birmingham Stage Company were performing at The Regent Theatre, Stoke had 2 live shows of Horrible Histories, Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders, we went to the Groovy Greeks. The cast consisted of 4 performers who played a modern family wanting to learn about Greeks.

There were quick costume changes, singing, dancing, comedy, sound effects and audience participation. The timing was immaculate which showed how well rehearsed it was, there were some funny references to modern TV shows too, our favourite was 'The Gods Have Talent'

The best part for us was the second half where we were given 3D glasses in the interval. Absolutely fantastic scenery and trickery.

We thoroughly enjoyed it and as soon as we got home, we looked for the 'Groovy Greeks' book in the box set and started reading immediately!

I would highly recommend to anyone to take their kids to see this, it's a fab way to learn History!

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - Truly fantasmagorical!

Being a Mumpreneur is the best job in the world, especially when it comes to school holidays. We have had a busy time meeting friends, play dates and today, a special trip to the theatre to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Regent in Stoke. On a long flight to Thailand when Luke was 3, we watched this film on loop about 3 times, so we're both very familiar with the story.


It was a star-studded cast, with Comedian Jason Manford playing the lead role, Caractacus Potts. He was charismatic and his smile lit up the stage. His voice was strong and operatic and it gave me goosebumps when he sang 'Hush a bye mountain'. I was impressed with his energetic song and dance during 'Me Ol' Bamboo'. Truly Scrumptious was beautifully played by Amy Griffiths with a voice to match, she had a lovely connection with the Potts children too. The other big names, Phill Jupitus played Baron Bomburst and Michelle Collins as the Baroness had a comical pairing. The lovable Grandpa Potts was played by the talented, Andy Hockley.

The childcatcher played by Martin Kemp was spooky and the projection of his shadow was spine tingling, I didn't hear one child utter a noise when he was on the stage. Personally, I would have liked to have seen more of him!
The biggest laughs were for the two Vulgarian spies played by Sam Harrison and Scott Paige, they were hilarious.

There were lots of gasps when Chitty was transformed from the rusty old car to the shiny new flying machine, it was truly magical and the graphics of the scenery was convincing and enchanting.

The Potts children were superb and I the Sewer Children were played by local children who also were brilliant.

You know you've seen a good show when you hear people singing the songs when you leave the theatre.

It's not too late to book tickets so you have until 9th April with matinee performances which is perfect for the school holidays!
http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/chitty-chitty-bang-bang/regent-theatre/#performance_tabs=tab_tour