diff --git a/hgext/histedit.py b/hgext/histedit.py
--- a/hgext/histedit.py
+++ b/hgext/histedit.py
@@ -1603,7 +1603,7 @@
                 renderhelp(helpwin, state)
                 curses.doupdate()
                 # done rendering
-                ch = stdscr.getkey()
+                ch = encoding.strtolocal(stdscr.getkey())
         except curses.error:
             pass