TWO households both alike in dignity… in fair Warwick we lay our scene… The year is 1455, and as you cross the river Avon and pass the impressive wooden trebuchet, you will be asked where your loyalties lie.

Do you support the House of York, or align yourself with the House of Lancaster? Pick wisely – because the battle is about to begin. In the Wars of the Roses there’s no sitting on the fence, as you soon realise as the clamour builds.

Chants of “White Rose!” and “Red Rose!’, cheers and boos ring out from the purpose-built arena in a riverside setting to the south of mighty Warwick Castle. Partisan crowds don’t hold back as they demonstrate their allegiance.

Welcome to Wars of the Roses Live!, which has just returned to Warwick for a marathon 100-day run.

The stage is set for the tale of King Edward’s rivalry with Margaret of Anjou and the ensuing wars resulting in the passing of the crown from York to Lancaster and back again as their leaders ride into battle to claim the throne.

Old and young alike watch in awe as families stand on the sidelines to get an up close and personal view of knights on horseback proving their worth, hitting flaming targets and spearing items with their lances.

There’s sword fighting and hand-to-hand combat as well-scripted history is played out – and, of course, the crowd favourite: knights galloping, lances at the ready to joust, with wood splintering in the air as they crash in contest.

As if that isn’t enough already, there are phenomenal stunt riders performing daring feats on horseback.

My son Zachary and I chose to support the House of York and the white roses, but were surprised how our loyalties changed as the story unfolded.

Throughout the show, the cast takes every opportunity to whip up supporters of both sides, and there’s plenty of interaction with the audience. Don’t be surprised if they drop round for an impromptu chat – you might even meet a king!

Following Edward IV’s successful 11-year reign over peaceful  lands, treacherous Richard III was quick to be disowned by the  watching crowd as he betrayed his house and stole the crown from the young heirs to the throne.

The heirs in this case, by the way, appeared to be selected from the visiting crowd so, who knows, there could be royal blood running in your veins too.

As in all tales of battles regaled, it is good to know that all’s well that ends well. Fighting, marriage, deaths, and the emergence of the united House of Tudor under King Henry VII and eventually Queen Elizabeth I, this show has it all.

Add into the mix  fire, horses, sword fights, audience participation and confetti, and you have a great way to teach children family-friendly history. I highly recommend Wars of the Roses Live! when next you visit Warwick Castle.

We definitely left wondering how soon we can come back.

The show runs twice a day and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Due to its popularity, you definitely need to arrive early to get the best views. The audience is standing, although there are staggered steps on which to stand.

Shows have been scheduled carefully to allow visitors to make the most of their visit, and catch other attractions such as the Legend of the Trebuchet, Zog Live!, Archery, the Horrible Histories Maze, and the dreaded Dungeons.

Paul Cole says: This post was written by my daughter, Sara Sealey and her son, Zachary, who regular readers might recognise from previous days out review posts.

For admission prices, opening hours and more information on the many attractions visit www.warwick-castle.com