The Horrible Histories team have been referred to more than once as spiritual successors of Monty Python, and the parallels are easy to see with classics like The Holy Grail. Bill takes an existing story (in this case, the early life of Shakespeare, played by Mathew Baynton) and mines it for all it is worth. We get monarchic assassination plots, evil Spanish kings and devious, but ultimately useless Barons, and in the centre of it, a young man who just wants to write plays, much to the chagrin of his wife. Taking the playful fun of Horrible Histories and mixing it with the absurd adventure of their other project, Yonderland, Bill is certain to appeal to a coveted child and adult audience, much as Horrible Histories did.
What will be interesting is seeing how their childish yet sophisticated humour and slightly hokey effects translate to the big screen. Also interesting to see will be the incorporation of husband-wife “proper” actors Helen McCrory and Damien Lewis, though from McCrory’s Queen Elizabeth in the trailer, we need not worry on that front. And with the promise of a dance routine in the trailer, will we see one of the song parodies so beloved by fans of this comedy sextet?
Sure, they may not trouble the Best Original Song category at the Oscars (though imagine how great it would be if they did!) but this Shakespeare song of theirs, and the precedent set by Python musical numbers, shows there’s certainly a place for music in this family adventure.