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!
This production of 5 Mistakes That Changed History is returning with the same historical stories and mistakes as 2025 for those who missed out last year
★★★★★ “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
Age guidance 12+
One interval
Show info
| Category: | Comedy |
| Running time: | 1 hours 50 minutes |
| Full Price: | £25.00 |
Dates and times
| Date: | Fri 18 Sep 2026 |
| Time: | 7:30pm |
Café & Bar
Our Café & Bar is open Mon to Sat 10am - 3pm and an hour before all performances outside of these hours.
Don't forget that drinks from the Café & Bar can be taken into the auditorium to enjoy during the performance. Please note that no outside food and beverages are permitted.
Accessibility
Trinity Theatre's Foyer, Gallery and Auditorium are accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who need to avoid stairs. For more information please visit our Accessibility page or call our Box Office on 01892 678 678.
