Horrible Histories writers to present new musical at Birmingham Hippodrome

Exclusive: Two of the writers behind Horrible Histories are responsible for Birmingham Hippodrome’s festive production.

No Such Thing as Wolves is the next piece from the theatre’s new musical theatre department.

Written by Gerard Foster, whose credits also include My Parents are Aliens and The New Worst Witch, and Richie Webb, who has composed for Andy and the Band and Mr Tumble, the production is suitable for everyone aged three and over.

No Such Thing as Wolves follows Hettie Hedgehog, who is ready to hibernate – until her new friend, Sydney Squirrel, convinces her to throw a party instead. Then, two mysterious guests with big ears and pointy teeth arrive!

Foster said: “Despite having spent the last twenty years happily trapped in the world of kids’ TV, it has always been an ambition of mine to write a musical for the stage. To be able to do that now, with Richie feels like a dream come true.”

He added: “We are over the moon to be working with the amazing team at Birmingham Hippodrome and can’t wait to unleash our fabulous cast of hedgehogs, squirrels and big bad wolves on the children of Birmingham and beyond. It’s a show with a lot of humour and heart, inspired by our shared love of musicals and storytelling. We hope the audiences will laugh a lot, cry just a little, and leave with big smiles on their faces, singing and dancing along to the tunes.”

Midlander Webb recalls first visiting Birmingham Hippodrome on a school trip, commenting: “To now be a part of the brilliant and talented team putting on No Such Thing as Wolves is really, really special. I can’t wait for the audience to hear my latest earworms; there’ll be warbling wolves, singing squirrels and harmonising hedgehogs – hopefully, the tunes will be stuck in their heads for weeks. Sorry in advance!”

The piece follows last year’s five-star The Jingleclaw by Robyn Grant and Tim Gilvin, which kickstarted the My First Musical series that No Such Thing as Wolves joins.

Deirdre O’Halloran, head of new musical theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “It was a joy to provide so many families with their first high-quality, musical theatre experience and we can’t wait to welcome even more this festive season.”

Charles Holloway, founding supporter of the new musical theatre department, concluded: “I’m proud and delighted to extend my support and become principal supporter of No Such Thing as Wolves. It’s clear that early theatre experiences for young children and their families are hugely impactful.”

Foster and Webb’s musical will play at the Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.