Review by Daz Gale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A play about history has now become a part of history itself as The History Boys celebrates its 20th anniversary by returning for a brand new national tour. Widely celebrated in its original run and responsible for launching the careers of Dominic Cooper, Jamie Parker and James Corden, hopes are high for this latest production, and so are expectations, given how loved this story is and how it has been received in the past. Would history be able to repeat itself this time?
Premiering at National Theatre in 2004 and returning the following year, The History Boys enjoyed a Broadway transfer and multiple West End runs, winning both Olivier Awards and Tony Awards in the process. Extending beyond the stage, it was also adapted into a critically acclaimed movie in 2006, but now returns to the stage. Set in Sheffield in the 1980s, The History Boys follows eight history students aiming to put their good grades to good use by studying at Oxford and Cambridge. All that’s needed now is to figure out how to use their intelligence to give them the best chance at success – if only their teachers could agree on the matter. As well as the pressures of education, the boys also have to navigate becoming adults, discovering their own identities along the way.
Written by legendary playwright Alan Bennett, The History Boys boasts a rich variety of writing, fusing predominantly comic elements with more serious aspects that underpin the story. The best way to summarise Bennett’s writing here is to call it deeply intelligent – a statement that should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with his writing. Taking the show as a snapshot in the lives of these eight boys and the teachers that attempt to shape them for their future, The History Boys speaks of the differences in each journey, treating the students as a collective group but allowing the spotlight to shine on them individually along the way.
A testament to a good play is in how irrelevant time becomes, passing by in an instant. That is true of The History Boys whose two hours and 45 minutes whizzes by like no time has passed at all. Having never experienced the story on stage before, I was engrossed from start to finish. My hope for any show I see in the theatre is to be able to connect with the material and to feel something. While I was never anywhere near as intelligent as the boys in this group (my teachers may still have nightmares over some of my work), the emotional connection was there, with the final ten minutes of the play completely capturing my heart and securing that elusive five star in this review.
Seán Linnen’s direction gives Bennett’s writing the best possible chance to connect with the audience, carefully fleshing out the characterisations of each boy and showing an enormous attention to detail in the group scenes that dominate the production. A hard working ensemble move Grace Smart’s simple yet effective set design around, transforming the rotating space to different areas of the school. It may not be completely aesthetically pleasing but that proves irrelevant as the focus should be on the performers and their interpretations of the writing, and rightly so. The stage comes to life with Chi-San Howard’s regularly exciting and always energetic movement, contrasting in larger-than-life group numbers and more intimate moments mostly isolated to solo highlights.
One element of The History Boys that further elevated the story for me was in the fantastic use of its 1980s soundtrack. Performed live by its exceptional cast (more on them shortly), using their own history with musical theatre and talents, the sound created from them is nothing short of beautiful, with their frequent interludes adding another layer to the story. From the opening of ‘St Elmo’s Fire’ to a rousing ‘Stand And Deliver’, Russell Ditchfield’s composing and arranging ensures these are all delivered beautifully, with a sense of fun too.
The twelve-strong cast (plus ensemble) for The History Boys can only be described as wonderful, delivering consistently breathtaking performances. Lewis Cornay is an undoubted standout as Posner, with his sweet naivety and attempts to catch up with his classmates giving no shortage of heart. As well as multiple opportunities to showcase his beautiful vocals, he gives a sensitive and understated portrayal of the role, endearing him to the audience, if not quite all of his fellow characters on stage.
Archie Christoph-Allen gives a cocksure and confident portrayal as Dakin, dominating proceedings with a performance every bit as captivating as his character. Yazdan Qafouri shows enormous chemistry with his fellow characters, elevating any scene he is a part of as Scripps while Ned Costello may have less to do as Rudge comparatively, but gets some memorable moments in his time. Another standout among this talented cast comes from Teddy Hinde with his charismatic and comedic portrayal of Timms, providing many of the most humorous moments of the play, with a joyful energy that continually delights.
The History Boys isn’t just about the students with the teachers matching the quality set by their younger counterparts. Bill Milner portrays his young teacher Irwin with an intrigue, with walls that gradually come down, changing the dynamic from his first appearance and showcasing Milner’s skills even when his characters lines prove sharp. With much to dissect about the character of Hector and what comes out about him, there is no confusion with Simon Rouse who is sensational in the role, in a very natural and human portrayal with no shortage of charisma. Gillian Bevan proves another highlight among the cast. Though her Mrs Lintott is underused, her commentary on women (or the lack thereof) in the play and her climactic scene make her relatively brief appearances all the more memorable.
Every bit as intelligent as the eight boys at the heart of the story, The History Boys really is something special in itself and this production is no exception. Adapting a story with as much history and as loved as this one could be seen as a test in itself, but this production of The History Boys passes with flying colours. It is so successful in its execution, it should be studied on how to flawlessly adapt a show like this. Absolutely top of the class, it can now take its place in history as another incredible production of this now classic story.
The History Boys plays at Richmond Theatre until 2nd November. Tickets available here
Photos by Marc Brenner