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5 Mistakes That Changed History

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 3 Published: 4 Aug 2025 Assembly George Square Studios Show Dates: 31 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

5 Mistakes Which Changed World History is a nerd's love letter to history and its many mishaps. Paul Coulter is the self-described nerd, and he’s known it from an early age. The show opens with some touching photos of a ten-year-old or so Paul in Parliamentarian costume, taken when he was asked to dress up as one of his heroes. It's a fitting start, as this show is a hoot for the entire family.

Easy laughter for a broad audience

Paul weaves together stories of mistakes, often with a ring of irony and an eye-roll at the folly of mankind, while tipping his hat to modern happenings to draw out the punchline. The premise is sound, even if the quips are fairly middle-of-the-road. In fact, I’d describe this as an incredibly middle-of-the-road performance – and I don’t mean that as a negative. You can take anyone to this show comfortably, from six-year-olds to your nan.

It’s family-friendly fun that uses history as a roadmap to laughter, and the crowd was very generous with their approval. As I left, I heard one father commenting to his son, “He was like a really fun teacher who you want to learn more from.” I couldn’t agree more.

Go to 5 Mistakes Which Changed World History if you want some easy laughter for a broad audience. Don’t go if you’re looking for anything risqué or too off-the-wall.

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The Blurb:

We all make mistakes, but rarely do they change the course of history. After sell-out seasons in 2023 and 2024, the smash-hit historical storytelling comedy returns with five new stories about mistakes (big and small!) that changed the world. If you love history, don't let your mistake be missing out on this show! Penguin Random House will be publishing 10 Mistakes That Changed History based on the show in June 2025. British Comedy Guide Best Reviewed Edinburgh Fringe Shows 2024. ***** (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). ***** (TheatreWeekly.com). ***** (CorrBlimey.co.uk).