5 Mistakes That Changed History

5 Mistakes That Changed History is a hilarious live show performed by Comedian and Historian, Paul Coulter.

Blending History, Storytelling and Comedy the show has been a smash-hit-sell-out-success on the festival circuit, selling out both Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Adelaide Fringe Festival twice in 2023 and 2024.

The show is based on Couters research on the reckless rulers, monumental mishaps and disastrous decisions that have shaped our world. From breakups that ended empires to naps that sank ships, 5 Mistakes That Changed History reveals how overlooked historical errors are responsible for some of the most era-defining events of the past.

Featuring many recognisable characters and episodes in history, from Cleopatra to the sinking of the Titanic, comedian and historian Paul Coulter reframes our understanding of these pivotal moments, revealing how human errors and their unintended outcomes have governed our world – and will likely determine our future.

Suitable for history lovers 8 to 80, 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 due for a major-worldwide release.

‘So engaging and entertaining I forgot I was there to review it.’ Theatre Weekly ★★★★★