FILMS like Elizabeth and Troy have given us a glossed-over, buffed up Hollywood-style idea of history.

But tomorrow one man will do his best to dispel this image live on stage at The Anvil, Basingstoke.

That man is Britain's best-loved historian, Tony Robinson.

Tony is touring the country with his The Worst Jobs in History show to discuss the real nitty-gritty history of England.

"I want to talk about some of the Worst Jobs in History," says the TV personality, famous for playing Baldrick in the Blackadder series.

"I'm sick of telly programmes that show the Virgin Queen Elizabeth single-handedly transforming England in between snogging sessions with her latest court toy-boy."

Tony takes a no-holds-barred look at the most unenviable jobs of the last two thousands years including the prestigious titles of 'gong scourer' and 'tosher'.

Tony Robinson is also keen for the audience to ask questions during the show, "You can ask me anything you like," he says, "I want to show you where Baldrick's boil came from."

The Anvil, Basingstoke. Tickets: from £15. Box office: 01256 844244. The Worst Jobs in History is also at the Theatre Royal Winchester on October 22. Box office: 01962 840440.