Alan Bennett’s hugely successful and much-loved play, The History Boys return to the Everyman, Cheltenham for one week only – 14 to 19 February!
One of Bennett’s finest plays, it has played to packed houses around the country, and won huge critical acclaim since it opened at the National Theatre in 2004.
Set in the 1980s in a school in the North of England, a boisterous bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys are attempting to gain Oxbridge places under the guidance of three teachers with contrasting styles, whilst fending off the distractions of sport and sex.
Hector delights in imparting knowledge for its own sake, but the Headmaster ambitiously wants the school to move up the academic league tables, whilst Irwin, a young supply teacher is hired to introduce a rather more ruthless and cynical style of teaching.
A film version of the play was made, unusually, with the entire cast from the original stage production, many of whom have subsequently become household names, including James Corden and Dominic Cooper. It has won no less than 30 major awards, including both Olivier and Tony Awards for Best New Play.
This triumphant, funny, life-enhancing play, is as heart-catching as it is hilarious, and is a must-see.