That’s not a typo and I’m definitely not questioning your singing ability, I’m asking if you have what it takes to be the winner of a brand new historically inspired competition held at Warwick Castle! The W Factor allows budding Horrible History actors to take to the stage in the hope of winning a cameo role in a stage performance of ‘Wicked Warwick’ complete with a Glamping break for the overall winner!

Now that you’re champing at the bit to dress up as Henry VIII or Charles II here’s the full details:

‘The W Factor at Warwick Castle’ parodies a format familiar to prime-time TV viewers, offering an extraordinary opportunity for budding stage stars and history lovers of any age to ‘audition’ for a one-time cameo in a performance of ‘Wicked Warwick’ this half term.

What will it take to nail ‘The W Factor at Warwick Castle’? Participants might take inspiration from the Castle’s role in 1,100 years of English history: founded by a daughter of Alfred the Great; once owned by Richard III; used as a prison for kings and traitors; besieged and burned down; a favourite haunt of flirty Edwardians and even a haven for Hollywood stars, there’s no shortage of gruesome, gory and grotesque tales to tell. Or, maybe their inspiration will come from further afield, as far back as the Savage Stone Age or the Ancient Aztecs. Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to come along on the morning of Wednesday 27 May and present their favourite short gory stories to a panel of three judges. 

Entering is easy, free of charge and registrants will receive a 2-4-1 voucher for entry to the Castle on the day. Eager entrants need simply visit the Warwick Castle website to register their intention to audition live for a panel of judges at ‘The W Factor at Warwick Castle’ on Wednesday 27 May. Entrants are encouraged to upload their practice videos to the Warwick Castle Facebook page with the tag #thewfactor to draw extra attention to their talents and receive priority placement in the audition queue. Last minute entries may be accommodated on 27 May depending on time available.

The judging panel will select four entrants to perform in live shows at Warwick Castle the following month, on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June. One overall winner will also receive a unique starlit woodland family sleepover in the Mediaeval Glamping Village on 21 June, only 5 minutes from the Castle and located in a beautiful woodland glade.

I’ll be taking along some small thespians to try their hand at impressing the judges and it would be great to see you all there, even if it’s just to cheer the entrants on. I’ll be watching (and cheering) from the audience 🙂