Coventry's significant figures to be brought to life by Horrible Histories TV show filmed in city - The Coventry Observer

Coventry's significant figures to be brought to life by Horrible Histories TV show filmed in city

Coventry Editorial 30th Nov, 2018 Updated: 30th Nov, 2018   0

COVENTRY’S historical figures will be depicted on an episode of much-loved kids TV show Horrible Histories after filming in some of the city’s most iconic settings.

A crew from producers Lion TV visited the city to film sketches and songs at St Mary’s Guild Hall, Drapers’ Hall and The Charterhouse.

The multi-award winning show, which airs on CBBC, is based on the bestselling Horrible Histories books written by Terry Deary, illustrated by Martin Brown and published by Scholastic.

The team spent two days in the city filming sketches based on Lady Godiva and Margaret of Anjou as well as a song for Ira Aldridge.




The idea followed discussions with the team from the Coventry City of Culture and Historic Coventry trusts.

BAFTA-award winning Jess Ransom will star as Lady Godiva and Queen Margaret of Anjou while Javone Prince plays Ira Aldridge and Tom Stourton will also feature as Sir Henry Beaufort and other characters.


There is also a special 2-Tone themed cameo for The Specials star Neville Staple and wife Christine ‘Sugary’ Staple.

Lady Godiva is known across the world as, legend has it, she rode naked through the streets of the city in protest against her husband, the Earl of Mercia’s high taxes.

Queen Margaret of Anjou was the wife of Henry VI and played an active role in national affairs, including choosing Coventry as the home of the royal family and effectively making it the capital city during the 15th Century.

Anti-slavery campaigner Ira Aldridge was the first black actor to play Othello and managed a theatre in the city in 1828.

Great Place project manager at the Coventry City of Culture Trust Jacqui Ibbotson said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Coventry is to have its own Horrible Histories sketches.

“It is one of those rare shows for kids that manages to entertain and educate in equal measure and this is our chance to showcase Coventry’s rich history to a whole new audience.”

Richard Bradley of Lion Television said: “Lion TV is delighted to be working in Coventry and discovering more about its hidden sites and rich history. Coventry has been at the heart of so many important chapters of our nation’s history – we so excited to be giving some of those stories the unique Horrible Histories treatment.

“The sketches look like they are going to be lots of fun – including an Ira Aldridge song with a 2Tone feel to it.

“And we are particularly pleased as Richie Webb – the fabulously talented composer of all our songs is a local boy.”

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