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.
Suitable for history lovers of all ages 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 bestseller ’10 Mistakes That Changed History’ 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!
★★★★★ ‘So engaging and entertaining that I forgot I was there to review it’ Theatre Weekly
★★★★★ ‘Earns its place among the best reviewed shows of recent years’ Broadway World
★★★★★ ‘Entertaining and informative’ Edinburgh Reporter
★★★★★ ‘The perfect balance between entertaining and educating’ Corr Blimey
★★★★★ ‘It really leaves you wanting more’ The Recs
★★★★ 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
By purchasing a ticket by telephone, online, over the counter, or via a third-party agency, you are agreeing to Taunton Brewhouse’s conditions of sale.
Waiting List & Re-Selling Tickets
While we have a no refund and no exchange policy, the Box Office facilitates a Waiting List for events which are sold out, and a potential Re-Sale list of tickets that customers can no longer use. If an event is listed as sold out, please phone the Box Office to add your name and phone number to the Waiting List.
If you can no longer use your ticket(s), please phone the Box Office to discuss. We may be able to sell them to another customer if the event is sold out. These tickets will not be for purchase online, but will be offered to customers already on the Waiting List or who enquire after the show has sold out.
If some or all of your tickets are re-sold, they will be refunded to you minus the non-refundable £3 commission on each ticket.
We do not guarantee any sales via this process, and we will only attempt to re-sell tickets when all other seats have been sold and the event is listed as sold out.
Essential Companions
For patrons who require an Essential Companion to access our venue, we offer one complimentary ticket per patron with access needs. This is available when booking in person, on the telephone, or online. Before you book for the first time, please give the Box Office a call or email us to register for this.
Essential Companion tickets are intended for customers requiring additional support. This must be due to disability-related needs, significant and in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family or friends already accompanying you. Please note: Essential Companions must be able to provide adequate assistance in the event of an emergency or evacuation.
Babies-on-Lap & Under 14s
You are welcome to bring babies under 24 months free of charge, seated on your lap, one baby per lap. You do not need tickets for babies and you do not need to notify us. Anyone aged 2+ requires their own ticket. Young people under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 18+.
Group Booking Discount – book 10 tickets and get 1 free!
You May Also Be Interested In...
Running Commentary
With witty wordplay and open-hearted tenderness, Running Commentary is a silly, sexy, sweaty romp – don’t forget to stretch first.
Comedy Special: Ed Byrne & Guests!
For the first time at Taunton Brewhouse, comedy legend ED BYRNE is here with a special extended headline set!
Eric & Ern
From the Olivier nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated critically acclaimed West End hit ERIC & LITTLE ERN.
CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation
Who? What? How? The choice is yours in this fully improvised, witty and absurd murder mystery. No one knows who the killer is, not even the cast!
Tease – The Ultimate Burlesque and Cabaret Experience
Step into the World of “Tease” – the ultimate burlesque and cabaret experience where sensuality and unadulterated fun collide.
Ivo Graham: Orange Crush
The Taskmaster promise-squanderer, published author and gig pig, Ivo Graham, welcomes you to the latest chaotic chapter of his career.