The History Boys

Witty, intelligent and full of wry humour, The History Boys embodies all the facets for a play set in a sixth form in the North of England in the early 1980s.

It focuses on a group of adolescent teenage boys trying to get into Oxford or Cambridge and the teachers there helping them, all the while representing the aching pains of growing up.

In a major revival since the first opening of the classic play at the National Theatre in 2004, to glowing reviews, the play written by Alan Bennett gets a whole new cast embodying all the same characters’ idiosyncrasies.

The History Boys new cast for 2011

The West Yorkshire Playhouse’s production holds a talented cast, with the likes of Philip Franks playing Hector, Penelope Beaumont as Mrs Lintott, Thomas Wheatley as the Headmaster and Ben Lambert as Irwin, alongside a very talented young cast playing the group of boisterous boys.   

Uncompromisingly realistic and provocative, the diversity and sharpness of characters holds a responsive perspective on the realism of life in 1980's education.

The many historical and cultural references are as frequent as the banter in the classroom where the teachers hold their own with suitably pithy ironical perspectives on life, getting the most laughs.

The History Boys in class

With dialogue as quick firing and rhythmic, yet not overly-rehearsed, is down to the triumph of the groups dynamic.

The musical numbers are hilarious and concisely to the point, whilst the poignant and delicate moments are arresting; for instance Posner’s affectations are amusing and at the same time truthfully portrayed.

The set, although in a basic classroom, is used to great effect with a turning circle, as if a camera is panning the cast and set, bringing to life simple scenes with an almost cinematic experience on the stage; giving an all-round educational treat.