5 Mistakes That Changed History
Overview
Paul Coulter presents
5 Mistakes That Changed History
We all make mistakes, but rarely do they change the course of history.
5 Mistakes That Changed History is a hilarious historical storytelling show performed by historian and comedian, Paul Coulter, about five people and how their mistakes (big and small!) changed the world.
Blending history, storytelling and comedy the show has been a smash-hit, sell-out success on the comedy festival circuit, selling out both Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Adelaide Fringe Festival three years in a row in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The show was named by British Comedy Guide as one of the ‘Best Reviewed Edinburgh Fringe Shows’ and was chosen as one of the ‘Picks of the Fringe’.
Paul is the author of the bestselling book ‘10 Mistakes That Changed History’ which was published by Penguin Random House in 2025. Paul has appeared on air talking about History’s greatest mistakes on BBC World News, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio London and Times Radio.
If you love history, don’t let your mistake be missing out on this show!
If a performance is sold out, email info@northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151 to be added to our waiting list
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Reviews
★★★★★ “So engaging and entertaining that I forgot I was there to review it” Theatre Weekly
★★★★★ “Brilliantly entertaining, earns its place as one of the best reviewed shows in recent years” Broadway World
★★★★★ “Entertaining and informative” Edinburgh Reporter
★★★★★ “Highly enjoyable and educational, it really leaves you wanting more” The Recs
★★★★★ “The perfect balance between entertaining and educating” Corr Blimey
★★★★ ½ “Funny, informative and entertaining, this show will delight you if you’re a history buff and turn you into one if you’re not.” Glam Adelaide
There are two entrances to the theatre, Kings Road Entrance (this is the taxi drop-off/collection point) and the Main Entrance.
Both level entrances have automated doors. These lead into the foyer area where you will find the Restaurant, Bar, Box Office and entrances to Stages 1, 2 and 3.
STEP FREE ACCESS
Northern Stage is fully accessible. The theatre has three lifts providing access to all parts of the building, including the accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, stages 2 & 3 and the backstage area. Buggy parking is available
WHEELCHAIR SPACES
There are five wheelchair positions in Stage 1, two positions in Stage 2 and all seats are removeable in Stage 3.
TOILETS
We have a Changing Places toilet in the Stage 1 lobby and accessible toilets in Stage 3 and Stage 2 lower entrance lobby. Gender neutral toilets are situated in the Stage 2 lower entrance lobby.
HEARING ENHANCEMENT
Induction loop system in all public spaces, and an infra-red system in all three stages. (In Stage 1 the induction loop is best covered in rows E – L).
ASSISTANCE
One free ticket for the assistant of a disabled person who is not able to attend unaccompanied.
BOOKING COMPANION SEATING
To book a free ticket for a wheelchair companion or an assistant, contact our Box Office on 0191 230 5151, via email at boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk or by visiting our Box Office in person.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide, hearing and all working dogs are welcome here.
SEAT ACCESSIBILITY
Stage 1: Seats are 43 cm wide, 41cm deep, with 46cm between arm rests. The aisleway is 51cm deep from the seat back. Arm rests cannot be removed.
Stage 2: Seats are 40cm wide, 41cm deep. The aisleway is 64cm deep from the seat back. There are no arm rests.
Our seats are rated to British Standards at installation and are guaranteed to hold up to 110kg.
More Information
To discuss any access needs, take a look at our access page or please call our Box Office on 0191 230 5151.