A Brief History of Beer
Horse Trade presents 'A Brief History of Beer,' an hour-long, drinkeractive, time-travel adventure.
... Read moreIn this intoxicating comedy, the audience travels through time, from Ancient Sumeria to today, to help their two hops-loving hosts save beer from a mysterious nefarious villain. Wish Experience has been touring the interactive 'A Brief History of Beer' to pubs and theatres around the world since 2013. And yes, beer is consumed!
- Official Site
- 1 hour
- Ends on August 11th, 2018
- Under St. Marks Theatre (East Village)
Cast & Creatives (7)
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Reviews (38)
7 Critics' Reviews
"'A Brief History of Beer' happens to be very informative...It also happens to be a pretty silly excuse to drink beer while listening to a pseudo lecture on the very beverage you are drinking...These folks love beer. In fact, I think they love it a little too much; at times, it seems as though the show is running a wee bit off course. 'A Brief History of Beer' is the ultimate tribute to Homer Simpson’s favorite drink and anyone who appreciates beer would find it amusing." Full Review
"Takes you on a journey through time, with the help of video, sound effects, and props, and along the way will tell you a bit about how beer was discovered, how it is made, and who throughout history have tried to limit its production and distribution...The history timeline could use some tweaking if you are still sober enough to care...This show is great fun! It is a time-travelling booze cruise in a black box theater." Full Review
"Despite the plot’s silliness, Glenn and Parry are charming to watch under Jeffrey Mayhew’s direction as they wholeheartedly commit to the ridiculousness of their show...Mayhew’s direction allows Glenn and Parry to work the room like comics, and, despite the chaos of this makeshift aesthetic, they manage to pull the whole thing off...It is best to attend with the goal of meeting a few new drinking buddies rather than obtaining some deeper understanding of the origins of beer-making." Full Review
"Essentially a theatrical drinking game...Some of the 'facts' presented in this show are questionable, which may have more to do with the fast-paced and haphazard presentation style than the accuracy of the content...All that said, Trish and Will are energetic and fun actors who clearly have an interest in the subject matter...Ultimately, this is the sort of act that would work better if Trish and Will were trying to entertain a handful of people at a pub rather than performing in a blackbox." Full Review
for a previous production "Even the greatest beer afficionado will find a surprise or two in this ‘hoppy’ little gem...It’s a heavenly little show: fun, funny and factual, tightly directed by Jeffrey Mayhew to keep spirits a-bubble from the first sparkling draught to the last speck of froth. So charge your glasses for a memorable splash that will refresh the most jaded Fringe palate." Full Review
for a previous production "Fringe show 'A Brief History of Beer' is an opportunity to learn, to be amazed and to imbibe with them...For an audience of esteemed beer appreciators, it is an informative journey, and if you are also a fan of 'Star Trek' then you’ll recognise the many references featured...Thank goodness for venues that allow craft brewers a voice, drinkers some choice and shows like this an opportunity to inform and amuse; hop on board." Full Review
for a previous production "Glenn and Parry really care about beer and it shows in the way they have assembled this performance. However, the conceit can become overbearing and distract from the subject matter. Beer is fun, but the repeated use of sound and visual effects seems to get in the way of exploring some interesting ideas...Despite not quite getting at their most important material, Glenn and Parry are a charming presence, clearly enjoying each other’s company in performance." Full Review
31 Members' Reviews
See it if you like beer
Don't see it if you don't like beer
See it if You like to drink and want to be more informed about history
Don't see it if You hate alcohol and everything associated with it.
See it if Does Hamilton give you hot dogs, beer and bacon-wrapped marshmallows? No? This show does! Beer pong! Beer Olympics! Goofy fun.
Don't see it if you're looking for sober history. The audience participates and the bar is always open. Like a night with friends, if they're funny.
See it if you like beer, you'd welcome a change, you could use a good laugh, and you like an interactive experience that's non-intrusive.
Don't see it if you only drink guinness directly from the tap. They don't have that as an option. But really, loosen up, will you?
See it if You enjoy slapstick comedy and want to learn a few random facts about beer and it's history.
Don't see it if You are looking for a well staged show with lots of bells and whistles. You are lookin for a big show stopper.
Also The show was just ok. There were some technical difficulties that were... Read more Read less
See it if You can't get tickets to The Imbible. Unlike that production this show feels life a self fulfilling narcissist vehicle. The free beer is ok.
Don't see it if You want something that is genuinely informative, as the title suggests.
See it if You like a drink and you like to laugh
Don't see it if You don't want to be fully immersed in the show in an awesome way
See it if you like a fun show
Don't see it if you don't like fun
See it if Funny show. Lots of crazy running around and drinking. LOTS of drinking (mainly us). Good facts about beer. Learned and laughed a lot.
Don't see it if A little sloppy. Chaotic. Not a regular story-line.
See it if Great show dont know much to say
Don't see it if Great show dont know much to say
See it if Better than what I expected. I was expecting a play by play on the people who created beer. Just better than what I expected.
Don't see it if Really looking for the history of beer.
See it if You love to drink, love science fiction, and love to have a bit of crazy fun.
Don't see it if you don't like beer.
See it if You love action
Don't see it if You are against fighting for what's right
See it if You like comedy and references to beer
Don't see it if You don't like beer
See it if you like beer!
Don't see it if you don't like beer!
See it if You don't mind a drink with your show.
Don't see it if You have an aversion to drinking.
See it if If you got time for mediocre acting.....
Don't see it if If you have something better to do!!!
See it if You love drinking
Don't see it if This feels like a poorer version of the show "The Imbible"
See it if You like beer and want to be entertained while learning a little something.
Don't see it if You're too serious.
See it if you like beer
Don't see it if if you don't like beer
See it if Loved it
Don't see it if You don't like music
See it if You want a fun night out but don't want to think too much.
Don't see it if You like cerebral plays, something with structure, expect a real history of beer.
See it if Great
Don't see it if Loved it
See it if Great
Don't see it if Great
See it if Great
Don't see it if Grest