HORRIBLE HISTORIES - BARMY BRITAIN Departs the Garrick Theatre to Tour the Middle East, September 1-October 27

The West End stage show Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain temporarily leaves the Garrick Theatre this weekend, Saturday 1st September, to embark on a Middle East tour to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Shajah. The production then returns to the Garrick on Saturday 27th October 2012, running through to January 6th 2013.

The popular production by Birmingham Stage Company had its world premiere in the West End in February 2012. Founder of Birmingham Stage Company Actor/Manager Neal Foster, who co-wrote and directed the shows in London and Edinburgh, will star alongside Alison Fitzjohn on the tour, with both actors returning to the West End in October.

Neal's theatre roles include Dr Ratner in THE DICE HOUSE at The Arts Theatre, Iago in OTHELLO at The Bloomsbury Theatre and the title role in SKELLIG at the The New Victory Theatre, New York.

Alison has worked often for the Birmingham Stage Company, touring nationally in HORRIBLE HISTORIES: ROTTEN ROMANS and AWFUL EGYPTIANS and internationally in GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE, HORRIBLE HISTORIES: VILE VICTORIANS and TERRIBLE TUDORS.

Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain is written by Terry Deary, Neal Foster and Ciaran McConville. Terry Deary, the creator of Horrible Histories, is one of Britain's best-selling authors of the 21st Century and the tenth most-borrowed author in British libraries. There are around 50 Horrible Histories titles with total sales of 25 million in 40 countries. He is also the author of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books for young people.

The Birmingham Stage Company is one of the UK's leading producers of theatre for children, adults and families. It is the resident company of The Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham where its shows are first created, then tour nationally and internationally. The BSC has been touring HORRIBLE HISTORIES for six years throughout the UK, Ireland, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. The company recently enjoyed its New York debut with its production of SKELLIG at The New Victory Theatre where the New York Times described it as "Flawlessly acted". The Birmingham Stage Company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain is directed by Neal Foster, with design by Jackie Trousdale, lighting by Jason Taylor, sound by Nick Sagar, music by Matthew Scott.