British Comedy Guide
Horrible Histories. Image shows from L to R: Gemma Whelan, Ryan Sampson, Tom Stourton
Horrible Histories

Horrible Histories

  • TV sketch show
  • CBBC / BBC One
  • 2009 - 2024
  • 139 episodes (10 series)

Hit sketch show based on surprising facts from world history, inspired by the hit children's book series. Stars Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Ben Willbond, Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas and more.

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Episode menu

Series 2, Episode 10

King Charles I sends someone else to get married for him, a new recruit regrets joining the Georgian Army, and Queen Cleopatra reveals her weird beauty secrets.

Further details

Horrible Histories. Martha Howe-Douglas. Copyright: Lion Television / Citrus Television

Queen Boudicca and Cleopatra are among the latest celebrated figures of days gone by to be comically portrayed in this highly acclaimed sketch show.

A news report from 1066 uses the Bayeux Tapestry to depict the latest action from the battlefield; shouty man extols the virtues of a Victorian maid; and Vincenzo Larfoff, played by David Baddiel, spins a scary story from the Victorian era with a rather mundane ending. A cut-throat Celt gets a fashion makeover in Historical Fashion Fix; and Queen Boudicca sings a rousing rock anthem about her reign.

The series nips back to Georgian times in HHTV Sport to witness a pinching match. And Cleopatra runs through her beauty routine, which includes bathing in asses milk, sporting poisonous black lead around her eyes and wearing a fake beard.

Broadcast details

Date
Tuesday 6th July 2010
Time
5:15pm
Channel
CBBC
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Jim Howick Various
Ben Willbond Various
Mathew Baynton Various
Martha Howe-Douglas Various
Laurence Rickard Various
Jon Culshaw Various (Voice)
Jess Robinson Various (Voice)
Alice Lowe Ensemble Actor
Giles Terera Ensemble Actor
Lawry Lewin Ensemble Actor
Dominique Moore Ensemble Actor
John Eccleston Rattus Rattus
Guest cast
David Baddiel Vincenzo Larfoff
Writing team
Ben Ward Writer
Dave Cohen Writer
Laurence Rickard Writer
Giles Pilbrow Writer
Steve Punt Writer
Mathew Baynton Writer
Ben Willbond Writer
Production team
Steve Connelly Director
Dominic Brigstocke Director
Caroline Norris Series Producer
Giles Pilbrow Producer
Richard Bradley Executive Producer
Alison Gregory Executive Producer
Nigel Williams Editor
Mike Holliday Editor
Will Peverett Editor
Miranda Jones Production Designer
Richie Webb Composer

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