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 twice in 2023 and 2024.

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 10 Mistakes That Changed History due for a major-worldwide release coinciding with the show tour in June 2025.

If you love history, don’t let your mistake be missing out on this show!

“So engaging and entertaining that forgot I was there to review it”
Theatre Weekly

“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

“Infectiously charming”
LondonTheatre1

“A hilarious blend of storytelling, facts and comedy”
On the Record

“Entertaining and informative”
Edinburgh Reporter