Actors at sharp end of history

9:18am Friday 16th May 2008

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ACTORS putting on a production of Horrible Histories in Oxford are marking the anniversary of the beheading of Anne Boleyn in particularly dramatic style.

Monday is the 472th anniversary of the former queen's untimely demise.

And to mark the occasion, Charles Davies, as King Henry VIII, wielded the axe to "chop off" the head of Anne Boleyn, aka actress Haz Webb.

It was staged outside Oxford Castle, in New Road - where public executions used to take place.

Mr Davies said: "I'm really enjoying playing Henry VIII. It's my favourite role.

"I'm particularly enjoying being in Oxford, having had a long-time love affair with the city where both my wife and father went to university."

Mr Davies and Ms Webb are performing a number of roles in the Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians instalment of the popular Horrible Histories series at the New Theatre, in George Street.

He said: "They're very popular with children, who love the books with all their rude jokes and funny songs, but also adults enjoy them as well.

"There's the odd little bit of blood spilled here or there, but that's what kids enjoy. You see the axe falling at the back, then there's a quick blackout."

Part of the show involves the audience donning 3D glasses for a ghostly segment.

It is the second time the two shows have come to Oxford, previously being performed in the city two years ago.

Other dramatisations of the Horrible Histories series have also been put on show, with the Egyptians and Romans stories coming to life on stage in Oxford in 2007.

Judith Cheston, of Birmingham Stage Company, which is putting on the production, said: "It has been very popular so far.

"We have had schools and lots of families coming along.

"It's nice, because kids from quite a young age enjoy it and it's all good fun."

The play is at the theatre until tomorrow. For tickets, call 0870 606 3500 or see www.newtheatreoxford.org