Kingdom of Benin
You're Dead to Me
12/25/25
•13m
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Dead Funny History: Kingdom of Benin.
Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and fact-packed journey through the history of the Kingdom of Benin full of powerful rulers, incredible art, and some very questionable British behaviour.
This episode of Dead Funny History is bursting with jokes, sketches and sound effects that bring the past to life for families and Key Stage 2 learners. Discover how the Ogisos, “rulers of the sky”, gave way to the Obas, god-like kings who rebuilt cities and led armies. Learn about Queen Idia, the original palace-owning mum, and the guilds of artists who created the famous Benin Bronzes, many of which were looted during British colonisation.
From Portuguese coconut diplomacy to British invasions to the trading of enslaved people and the destruction of Benin City in 1897.
Perfect for curious kids, families, and fans of You’re Dead To Me, this is history with humour, heart and high production value. Expect sketches, spoof news reports, and a quiz to test your memory.
Written by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse Host: Greg Jenner Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill Script Consultant: Barnaby Phillips Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Production Manager: Jo Kyle Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews
A BBC Studios Production
Previous Episode
Owain Glyndŵr
December 24, 2025
•13m
Dead Funny History: Owain Glyndŵr.
Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and family-friendly journey through the life of Owain Glyndŵr: Wales’ legendary rebel leader, lawman, hostage-taker and Merlin superfan. This episode of Dead Funny History is packed with sketch comedy making it perfect for Key Stage 2 learners and their grown-ups.
Owain Glyndŵr’s story is full of twists. Born into a posh Welsh family, he trained as a lawyer in London before returning home to live the good life. But after years of bad neighbour behaviour from Lord Grey de Ruthyn, and being ignored by King Henry IV, Owain snapped. He declared himself Prince of Wales and led a rebellion that shook the English crown.
Expect battles, betrayals and a surprising number of hostages. Owain captured his enemies, held them for ransom, and even turned one prisoner into a son-in-law. He built alliances with France, inspired Welsh students to ditch Oxford, and launched a bold new vision for Wales including its own parliament, universities and laws.
But Owain wasn’t just a warrior, he was a dreamer. Obsessed with Merlin and Welsh mythology, he became a symbol of national pride. Even after disappearing from history, his legend grew. Today, he’s remembered as a hero who fought for Welsh independence and inspired generations.
Written by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse Host: Greg Jenner Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill Script Consultant: Dr Kathryn Hurlock Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Production Manager: Jo Kyle Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews
A BBC Studios Production
Next Episode
Marie Curie
December 26, 2025
•15m
Dead Funny History: Marie Curie.
Join historian Greg Jenner for a fast-paced, funny and fascinating journey through the life of Marie Curie; scientific legend, double Nobel Prize winner, war hero, and all-round icon.
This episode of Dead Funny History is packed with jokes, sketches and sound effects that bring Marie’s story to life for families and Key Stage 2 learners. From her rebellious education at the Flying University to her groundbreaking discoveries in radiation, Marie’s life was anything but ordinary.
Learn how she defied the odds to study science in Paris, fell in love with fellow scientist Pierre Curie, and discovered two brand new elements: Polonium and Radium.
Discover how she coined the term “radioactive,” worked in a leaky shed, and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize... then won another one.
But it wasn’t all lab coats and accolades. Marie faced sexism, heartbreak, and serious health risks from her research. After Pierre’s tragic death, she carried on their work, founded the Radium Institute, and developed mobile X-ray units, Petite Curies, to help soldiers in World War One. Her legacy lives on in cancer treatment, scientific innovation, and the radioactive glow of her still-dangerous notebook.
Expect musical parodies, sketch comedy, and a quiz to test what you’ve learned. It’s history with heart, humour and high production value. Perfect for curious kids, families, and fans of You’re Dead To Me.
Written by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Athena Kugblenu and Dr Emma Nagouse Host: Greg Jenner Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch Audio Producer: Emma Weatherill Script Consultant: Professor Iwan Morus Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Production Manager: Jo Kyle Sound Designer: Peregrine Andrews
A BBC Studios Production
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