Each time the Birmingham Stage Company adapt one of Terry Deary's "Horrible Histories" books for the theatre they set themselves a formidable challenge. There is huge expectation; the series is revered by both children and parents nationwide. Even more problematically, the subgenre of 'potted history' is tricky to get to work well on stage. However, with The Awful Egyptians, the company have outdone themselves, and not one of the 100 or so minutes the show occupies is superfluous, or, indeed, less than thoroughly enjoyable.

The action begins with an attempted burglary from a cavernous-looking museum, by some-time explorer, some-time thief, Horatio Ignatius Storey (Ciarin McConville), and his henchman Bill (Abi Rahman). However, their efforts are thwarted by a wandering schoolgirl (Alison Fitzjohn), who is increasingly bored and frustrated at a stale-sounding guided tour, and shortly after by the emergence of an unexpected guest, the ultimate in Egyptian figureheads, Ramesses the Great (Mehdi Rezvan). Disgusted by the characters' ignorance of his culture's history, Ramesses takes his subjects, and the audience, on a tour of his world. The aim of the show instantly emerges and, as with the books, it is to make history seem accessible, relevant and enjoyable for children of all ages.

To do this, there is a whole host of devices used to engage even the most ardent of the uninterested. There's straightforward, broad comedy such as slapstick and farce, there are musical numbers, non-direct audience participation (in the forms of said musical numbers, of pantomime-style "he's behind you" frolics, and so on) and there are role-playing techniques. This is where the (very solid already) performers are at their strongest. At its best, it's reminiscent of the seminal Reduced Shakespeare Company acting out a convoluted series of events with expressive accents, body gestures and simple props in a comically condensed form, for simplicity's sake.

The performance also boasts 3D technology, with a giant stage-filling screen behind the actors, instead of scenery, displaying various locations. This 3D element comes in during the second half, where we're encouraged to don goggles and experience various phenomena, including the destruction of buildings and Mummy's curses. Although initially thrilling, this does eventually get somewhat overused. However, considering the probable cost of it, you can't really blame the company for wanting value for money.

Despite this, if you have young children, and want to give them something a little different, this is nigh-on unmissable. Judging by audience reaction when I attended, what you might find obnoxious, they will find hysterical.

The company is also performing The Ruthless Romans, which promises to be equally good, and both shows alternate at the New Theatre until tomorrow night.