‘The cast are rich in Pantaloon-pedigree, demonstrating their skill and mastery of physical theatre and a range of performance styles’
If anyone could fit over two thousand years into a two-hour show, then it’s The Pantaloons. Written by Mark Heyward, who also directs, and Steve Purcell, the company race breathlessly through the centuries with this highly original, innovative, and inventive production.
Where to start and where to finish without giving too much of this wonderful production’s secrets away? With a trio ensemble (Paula Gilmour; Caitlin Hayward; William Ross-Fawcett) playing all of the parts, we are catapulted from a Bronze age hovel through countless invasions right up to the Tudors and Stuarts when with a little more detail we learn how the British successfully managed to beat themselves up.
There are clever topical references as the War of the Roses unravels like an episode of the Traitors whilst Henry VIII shamelessly robs from modern movies as well as the monasteries as he works his way through six wives.
A delightful Gilbert & Sullivan pastiche navigated the Spanish Armada before a Gladiators-style battle split the audience into Cavaliers and Roundheads for the Civil War.
With gags and groans, there were laughs aplenty as we travelled through lawless times before rolling up at a good old Victorian music hall for a sing song with some key figures of the day.
Britain you say? Well yes, and we certainly railroaded through Scottish history before treading gently into the past times and dark nights of the Welsh. And more cleverly, there’s a little bit of local history thrown in for free.
History is not all fun and games, and there was a moving and poignant reflection on The Great War which sadly resonates as much today.
And from there we were lyrically spun through the last one hundred years with the cast’s consummate delivery of Mark Heyward and Steve Purcell’s wonderful writing: I wish I’d written it; I’m glad they did.
The cast are rich in Pantaloon-pedigree, demonstrating their skill and mastery of physical theatre and a range of performance styles, as with the simplest of sets, quick costume changes, and multi-purpose props they segue us through each century and scene to their own live musical accompaniment.
Gilmour has always excelled in previous productions but tonight was undoubtedly her best – to date, I hasten to add – as she brought an array of characters to life in her own unique way: unlike her Queen Victoria, we were highly amused.
Ross-Fawcett has a natural talent for spontaneity and tonight he was on fire, well and truly knocking it out of the park, none more so than with his romantic comedy portrayal of Henry VIII and a light operetta Sir Francis Drake.
Caitlin Hayward returned last year after a decade away, but it was clear she’s not lost any of the magic that helped define the company’s original signature style as she kept the wheels turning throughout a wonderful evening of family entertainment.
The audience were enraptured from start to finish and the laughter kept on flowing – there were a couple of shameless historical plugs from Shakespeare and Arthur Conan-Doyle for the other two touring productions, and why not: I would heartily recommend you take in all three as they continue their respective UK tours – you will not be disappointed as they serve up the perfect tonic to take your mind off current tough times.
The Pantaloons were established at the University of Kent in 2004 by Mark Hayward, Caitlin Hayward (née Storey) and Steve Purcell. They are a bright and vibrant theatre company whose style draws from a wide variety of popular theatre traditions. There is a strong element of collaboration, both within the group and with their audience, that is evident with an emphasis on physicality and sensitive interaction.
Further details and booking information for The (almost) Complete History of Britain and their other current touring productions – Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles and Twelfth Night – can be found at https://thepantaloons.co.uk/shows/
Review Date: 17th July 2026
Star Rating: FIVE