What a fun idea it has proved to create live shows from the hugely popular Horrible Histories stories by Terry Deary, the most popular non-fiction books for youngsters world-wide. Terrible Tudors was chosen as the Best Book of Knowledge of All Time by Blue Peter viewers can there be a higher accolade?

This production has been created by the Birmingham Stage Company, and it's a highly polished show. The cast of four are full of enthusiasm and expertise. Not only do they hit the spot with their very broad comedy, but they also vary the tone quite beautifully when necessary for some very poignant historical moments. The audience mainly children were gripped throughout. Any parent will know what a great achievement this is.

The Terrible Tudors (pictured) was an excellent choice of subject matter full of headless ghosts and violence. Neal Foster, as Dr Dee, is in charge of the proceedings, and with his two sidekicks Dross and Drab the hilarious Alison Fitzjohn and Mark Prendegast they romp through the reigns of the four Tudor monarchs at a cracking pace.

There is a lot of accurate history in there but no chance to get bored. With Rebecca Ramsden turning in a fine performance as the didactic Ms Tree giving the anarchic threesome a good bit of stick for the wildness of their depictions there is a real debate into the nature of propaganda and historic truth. It helps to make this show much more than a panto, while still maintaining a hilariousness that kept the audience in stitches.

As an extra-special bonus the show is lavish with spectacular 3D effects. One of the most amazing scenes is a re-enactment of the defeat of the Spanish Armada, which had me on the edge of my seat as phantom cannonballs whistled round the auditorium.

This is among the best shows I have seen for a young audience, and adults would have to work hard not to enjoy it too.

The show is running in tandem with the company's take on the Vile Victorians.