5 Mistakes That Changed History is a hilarious live show performed by Comedian and Historian, Paul Coulter.  

Blending History, Storytelling and Comedy the show has been a smash-hit-sell-out-success on the festival circuit, selling out both Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Adelaide Fringe Festival twice in 2023 and 2024.  

The show is based on Couters research on the reckless rulers, monumental mishaps and disastrous decisions that have shaped our world. From breakups that ended empires to naps that sank ships, 5 Mistakes That Changed History reveals how overlooked historical errors are responsible for some of the most era-defining events of the past. 

Featuring many recognisable characters and episodes in history, from Cleopatra to the sinking of the Titanic, comedian and historian Paul Coulter reframes our understanding of these pivotal moments, revealing how human errors and their unintended outcomes have governed our world – and will likely determine our future. 

Suitable for history lovers 8 to 80, the show was named by British Comedy Guide as one of the ‘Best Reviewed Edinburgh Fringe Shows 2024’ and was chosen as one of the ‘Picks of the Fringe’.  

In 2025, Penguin Random House will be turning the show into a book due for a major-worldwide release. 

‘So engaging and entertaining I forgot I was there to review it.’ Theatre Weekly ★★★★★ 

‘Coulter cleverly weaves the well researched facts with modern day parallels, turning historical figures into relatable misfits.’ Glam Adelaide ★★★★★ 

‘Entertaining and informative.’ Edinburgh Reporter  

‘The perfect balance between entertaining and educating.’ Corr Blimey 

‘Coulter’s storytelling unmatched, and his references to current pop culture relevant and hilarious.’ Edinburgh Fringe Review  

Top pick of the Edinburgh Fringe 2024 and credited as one of the best shows by Scottish Herald, Mervyn Stutter and the Edinburgh Reporter. 

Paul Coulter 

Paul Coulter is a British comedian and historian based in Sydney, Australia. Paul is the writer and performer behind the Edinburgh Festival Fringe smash-hit, sell-out historical storytelling comedy show 5 Mistakes That Changed History.  

Originally from Dorset, Paul is a history fanatic and read history at University College London. In 2025, Paul will be bringing his unique blend of history, storytelling and comedy to major comedy and history festivals around the world. 

Allocated Covered Seating Adult

£26.25

*Festival Friends & Hever Castle, Hever Golf and Wellbeing Club Members 

*Groups, over 20 tickets 

*Please contact the box office, we can reserve tickets for you while you organise your group.

Joint Theatre and Castle Garden entry

Please Note: Ticket prices have remained at 2024 prices. We have however embedded the booking fee for the first time.

Two Sisters’ Theatre

Located on the Two Sister’s Lawn, our theatre has…

One continuous roof, every auditorium seat is undercover and allocated. The roof section over the auditorium is transparent so you will be able to enjoy the stars above, as you watch The Stars on stage!

We can close our walls for events outside the summer months. The walls are clear, so you still feel you are in the beautiful garden just with protection from the weather.

For some summer shows the lawns are opened up. You to choose where to sit when you arrive and enjoy your picnic during the event. You will need to bring your own seats, beanbags or rugs etc for the lawns.

Please check our access page for further information.

The theatre bar will be open before the event and during the interval for hot and cold drinks, snacks, ice cream and hot sausage rolls and Cornish pasties.

Pre-Theatre Suppers will be available before this performance. Click here to express your interest and you will be the first to be informed once the menu is published and online table booking becomes available, at the beginning of March.