Aboard ‘Silver Sockeye’ on the Thames – until 29 October 2023
Reviewed by Alec Legge
4****
To Tower Quay right by Tower Bridge and next to the Tower of London, there to board the good ship ‘Silver Sockeye’ for the Terrible Thames Tour.
Seated on the open top deck with a panoramic view all around. Hosted by two actors playing the parts of a Teacher and very naughty and unruly Pupil on a day trip. We then left Tower Quay sailing under Tower Bridge and along the Thames to Lambeth Bridge where the boat turned and we sailed back to Execution Dock and thence back to Tower Quay.
On the outward leg the teacher gave a running commentary of the sights on the northern bank and the sights on the southern bank on the return leg This included most of the major London sights such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Houses of Parliament etc. The South bank sights included Lambeth Palace, County Hall, Tate Modern, Globe Theatre
The dialogue was entertaining and funny with the pupil constantly interrupting with comedic acts and typically juvenile comments. They involved the audience, particularly the children, the banter being typical of the Horrible Histories with lots of references to gruesome deaths, torture and of course ‘poo’ and ‘sick’, urgh! All in all very funny but also interspersed with real facts and history.
The actors were very good and well rehearsed. There were sufficient speakers so every word was audible. There was plenty of movement by the actors up and down the aisle between the seats so that they could be involved with the audience.
A good performance which lasted about 45 minutes which children enjoyed and was also amusing to adults who would appreciate juvenile humour.
The only thing I would perhaps criticise would be that the actors were dressed in normal clothes and that some form of costume would have accentuated their performance.
As to cost, adults £25, Seniors £20, children £15, family at £60 and £70 are typical for London attractions.
If you like the Horrible Histories genre then this is one to visit.