The Rest Is History Tour 2025: 5 Reasons Tom Holland And Dominic Sandbrook's Live Show Is A Must-See
The Rest Is History Tour is back and bigger than ever, cementing its status as a global phenomenon that has successfully bridged the gap between academic history and mainstream entertainment. As of late December 2025, the world’s most popular history podcast, hosted by celebrated historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, is preparing for a massive return to the stage, with a highly anticipated leg of shows confirmed for Australia and special themed events in the UK, proving that history is anything but boring.
The transition from a lockdown-era audio project to a sold-out live spectacle has been extraordinary. With the podcast regularly topping charts and racking up over 18 million streams and downloads in a single month earlier this year, the demand for the live experience—dubbed "The Rest Is History Returns"—is at an all-time high. This article provides the ultimate guide to the 2025 tour, diving deep into the hosts, the unique show format, and why you need to secure your ticket to see the "Doms" live.
The Historians: Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook Full Biographies
The success of the tour and the podcast is inseparable from the intellectual chemistry and contrasting expertise of its two hosts. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook are not merely presenters; they are highly accomplished, award-winning historians with distinct academic focuses.
Tom Holland: Profile & Key Facts
- Full Name: Thomas Holland
- Born: 5 January 1968
- Nationality: British
- Academic Focus: Ancient and Medieval History, particularly the late Roman Republic, Roman Empire, and the rise of Christianity.
- Education: Studied at Queens' College, Cambridge.
- Key Works: Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic, Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West, In the Shadow of the Sword, and Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind.
- Role on Podcast: Often the voice of Ancient and Classical history, known for his erudition and ability to draw grand connections across millennia.
Dominic Sandbrook: Profile & Key Facts
- Full Name: Dominic Christopher Sandbrook
- Born: 2 October 1974
- Nationality: British
- Academic Focus: Modern British and American History, particularly post-war cultural and political history.
- Education: Attended Balliol College, Oxford, and St Andrews. He was a lecturer in history at the University of Sheffield.
- Key Works: A series of books on post-war Britain, including Never Had It So Good, White Heat, and Seasons in the Sun. He is also a long-time columnist for national newspapers.
- Role on Podcast: Provides expert insight into 20th-century events, known for his witty asides, pop culture references, and often playing the role of the slightly more cynical foil to Holland.
The 2025 Tour Dates and Themes: What's New and Where to See It
The 2025 schedule highlights the tour's expanding global reach and its willingness to experiment with unique, high-production themes, moving beyond a simple Q&A. The confirmed dates show a strong focus on the Southern Hemisphere and a return to prestigious UK venues.
The Australian Tour: "The Rest Is History Returns" (Late 2025)
The most significant announcement for late 2025 is the return to Australia and New Zealand, where the podcast is ranked as the #1 history podcast. This leg of the tour, presented by TEG Dainty, will see the duo perform at some of the region's most iconic venues:
- Sydney, Australia: Confirmed dates include the ICC Sydney and the legendary Sydney Opera House in November 2025.
- Brisbane, Australia: A show is scheduled for the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in December 2025.
- Format: While specific topics are often kept under wraps to maintain an element of surprise, the show promises a deep, witty dive into historical figures and events, delivered with the duo's signature banter and intellectual rigour.
Special UK Themed Event: Tchaikovsky and Wagner (May 2025)
A completely unique event is scheduled for the Royal Albert Hall in London in May 2025. This show is a major deviation, titled "The Rest Is History with Live Orchestra: Tchaikovsky and Wagner."
- Focus: The show will explore the lives and times of composers Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Richard Wagner, examining how their music and personal histories shaped the modern world.
- Production: The inclusion of a live orchestra elevates this from a standard live podcast to a major cultural event, blending historical narrative with musical performance.
5 Reasons The Live Show Is Better Than the Podcast
While the podcast is beloved, the live tour offers a completely different, immersive experience that captivates audiences, selling out venues across the UK and now internationally. Here are five compelling reasons why the live show is a must-see for any history enthusiast.
1. The Unscripted Banter and Chemistry
The core appeal of the podcast is the genuine, often hilarious, chemistry between Holland and Sandbrook. Live on stage, this dynamic is amplified. The audience witnesses the unscripted, spontaneous moments—the eye-rolls, the gentle mocking, and the genuine intellectual sparring—that make their relationship so endearing. It’s a performance that feels less like a lecture and more like eavesdropping on a brilliant, witty conversation between old friends.
2. Deep Dives into Controversial and Clickbait Topics
The podcast is famous for tackling everything from the serious to the sensational. Live shows often lean into the more curious, controversial, or "clickbait" historical moments that drive listener curiosity. Past episodes have covered entities like *Top Ten Mistresses*, *Emperors of Rome: Sex Secrets of the Caesars*, and the enduring mystery of *Jack The Ripper*. The live format allows them to delve deeper, sometimes featuring audience questions on topics like the *Watergate* scandal or the complexities of *The French Revolution*.
3. High-Production Themed Events
As evidenced by the "Tchaikovsky and Wagner" show with a live orchestra, the tour is evolving into a theatrical experience. Previous live shows have featured elaborate set designs, visual aids, and even special guests, turning the historical discussion into a full-scale production. This high-production value makes the history come alive in a way that mere audio cannot match.
4. Topical Authority and Intellectual Rigour
Despite the jokes and light-hearted moments, the show’s foundation is solid academic history. Holland and Sandbrook are experts in their respective fields—Ancient and Medieval for Holland, Modern for Sandbrook. Seeing them seamlessly weave together narratives on *Trafalgar*, the *Ancient Egyptians*, and *George Washington* provides an intellectual feast. The live format is a masterclass in demonstrating topical authority, making complex historical concepts accessible and engaging for a mass audience.
5. The Sense of Community
The live show is a gathering of the "Rest Is History" community, affectionately known as the "Doms" or "Rest Is History Club" members. Being in a theatre with thousands of others who share a passion for history creates a unique, electric atmosphere. It’s a chance to celebrate the joy of learning and the shared human experience across time. The overwhelming 5-star reviews for previous live shows confirm that the audience leaves feeling entertained, educated, and part of a bigger movement.
The Future of History Entertainment
The continued success of The Rest Is History Tour, particularly the major international dates in 2025, signifies a major shift in how history is consumed. It proves that there is a massive appetite for accessible, intelligent, and entertaining historical content. By leveraging their podcast platform and their genuine academic credentials, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook have not only created a highly profitable tour but have also inspired a new generation to look beyond the headlines and explore the deep, fascinating roots of human civilisation. Don't miss your chance to witness this historical phenomenon live.
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