Horrible Histories - Series 2 (DVD)

What do you do when you need a good laugh? Why you go to the DVD shelf and reach down a copy of Horrible Histories.

Perfect for adults and children alike, the second instalment of the very funny and educational television series Horrible Histories is just as good as the first, with more giggles, facts, songs and occasional silly pieces of fiction to enjoy.

Background

The television series is based on the books of the same name by Terry Deary, none of which I’ve actually read so I can’t say how they compare to the sketch show, but I know that they, just like the show, are very popular and that many people who have
watched the show go onto read the show and vice versa.

History

There have been three series of the show to date with a fourth waiting to air which we will definitely be watching when it does and are looking forward to very much.
At the end of each series apart from the first there has been a “Savage Songs Special” which incorporates many of the songs that have been in the series, along with some more juicy facts to enjoy.

They have also done a Christmas special which followed the second series and included any sketches to do with Christmas that they had been in either of the previous series and the third series which was to follow.

In addition to this, last year, as a Horrible Histories first, they took part in the Proms and on the 30th of July the cast staged a Horrible Histories prom which was entitled "The Horrible Histories Big Prom Party". Now as the prom was broadcast live on radio rather than on TV, the production team filmed at the event, cut the show down to an hour rather than the original hour and a half/ two hour version and then it was showed on TV on the 9th of September, much to the delight of all the fans, both young and old.

The TV show has won numerous awards such as the Best Sketch Show category of The British Comedy Awards which they have won two years running and they are the first children’s show to do so you can see how good they are.

The Cast

The members of the regular cast are Mathew Baynton (Gavin and Stacey), Simon Farnaby (The Mighty Boosh), Martha Howe-Douglas (Doctors), Laurence Rickard and Jim Howick (faun in the O2 adverts, Reggie Perrin).

Best Bits

In my opinion, the best bits are definitely Stupid Deaths (the Grim Reaper played by Simon Farnaby interviews someone historical about how they died), Bob Hale (played by Laurence Rickard talks about a historical period) and Shouty Man (played by Jim Howick advertises something like “New Victorian Maid”). The Vikings in “Literally” are also popular favourites and I believe that they, just like the four King Georges in Series 1, have become legends in the Horrible Histories community. I know that in our house whenever they come onto the screen we all gather in the living room and sing along.

Worst Bit

In my opinion, the only let down is David Baddiel's character Vincenzo Larfoff, a 'scary' storyteller who took over from Meera Syal's fairytales with a twist and who made the story sketches go from brilliant to slightly pathetic.

Where to watch before you purchase

If you wish to watch some Horrible Histories before purchasing the DVD, then a good way of doing so is by switching on CBBC at 8:25am on a Sunday morning or at 6:15pm on weekdays, although you will get an episode from whichever series they are going through at that moment in time. However, at least it will give you an idea as to what the show is like in general as each episode pretty much follows the same structure and the hilarity in each is pretty equal too.