The History of (Almost) Everything by Ben Watson takes young audiences on an interactive journey through time, exploring how individuals can shape the world and bring about change. Journeying to Ancient Greece and Egypt, the Roman Empire and beyond, there are also plenty of references to Oxfordshire’s rich past, reminding audiences that history isn’t just something that happens elsewhere – it also happens close to home.
After a tour of Oxfordshire’s schools and other interesting places, Oxford Playhouse Plays Out Tent concludes with two days of free performances and family-friendly activities and workshops at Oxford Playhouse on 25th & 26th July. To engage young audiences, the show brings historical figures to life through a modern lens, using contemporary references. From Cleopatra reimagined as a pop icon to King John reimagined as a power-hungry modern dictator, the show playfully bridges the past and present. Music plays a key role, with classics like Proud Mary – symbolising the invention of the wheel – to a unifying finale with the Time Warp.
Directed by Oxford Playhouse Head of Participation & Artist Development, Paul Simpson (Our Country’s Good, Blue Stockings), the production stars two storytellers, Hannah Bainbridge and Emily Vinnicombe. Ben Watson’s play originally began as a one-person Edinburgh fringe show and was staged for young audiences by Oxford Playhouse in 2019. This newly updated version is bang up to date with history for today’s audiences – a 60-minute entertaining, silly and sometimes surreal journey, hurtling through history.
Director Paul Simpson said: “We’re delighted to bring Ben Watson’s hilarious show, The History of (Almost) Everything, to audiences in the Playhouse Plays Out Tent this summer. This play is hugely entertaining and informative for young people, and we’re thrilled to have reimagined it for audiences this year. The good, the bad and the ugly characters from history will come to life in schools across Oxfordshire in this fun, interactive show, where children can celebrate and learn something new about the past, whilst thinking about their own place in the world of the future.”
In July, The Playhouse will bring the show home to its Main Stage for two days of free performances and family-friendly activities. Children aged 7 to 11 can also take part in free Youth Theatre taster sessions – a chance for them to step into the spotlight themselves. The Playhouse Plays Out Tent tour and Open Days are free to attend. The tent at Flo Fest does not require tickets but some activities at the Playhouse Open Days will need to be booked in advance. Find out more at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
