Sheffield Theatres to Present THE HISTORY BOYS, 5/16-6/8

Sheffield Theatres will stage Alan Bennett's award-winning modern comedy, The History Boys, for the first time on the Crucible stage from Thursday 16 May - Saturday 8 June, in a new production which sees the play staged in the city where it is set.

One of Britain's funniest comedies, full of one-liners and teenage anxieties, The History Boys follows eight boys as they negotiate an ambitious headmaster, polar opposite teaching styles and train for the Oxbridge entrance exam.

Olivier award-winner Matthew Kelly (Educating Rita) and Nicholas Day (RSC and National Theatre) lead the cast as eccentric teacher Hector and the ambitious Headmaster, alongside Julia St John (The Madness of King George, West Yorkshire Playhouse) as Mrs Lintott and Edwin Thomas (Lewis, ITV) as supply teacher, Irwin. A cast of talented young actors play the school boys: Ross Anderson (Macbeth) as Rudge, Oliver Coopersmith (Grandma's House) as Posner, Will Featherstone (numerous productions at Shakespeare's Globe) as Scripps, Tom Rhys Harries (Torch Song Trilogy, Menier Chocolate Factory) as Dakin, Edward Judge (Avenue Q) as Timms, Joshua Miles (Bully Boy,Nuffield Theatre Southampton and West End) as Lockwood, Regé-Jean Page (Fastburn, NYT/Kneehigh) as Crowther and Nav Sidhu (The Empire, Royal Court) as Akthar.

Michael Longhurst makes his Sheffield Theatres debut to direct this masterfully witty, subtle and moving play, hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed productions of Cannibals which opened at the Royal Exchange, Manchester earlier this month and Constellations at the Royal Court, London.

Director, Michael Longhurst said: 'I am delighted to be directing The History Boys for the city of its setting. Bennett's paean to the value and purpose of education seems more vital than ever as Gove attempts further educational reforms.

It's thrilling to be working with Matthew Kelly and a whole new class of exceptional talent. Matthew trained with Richard Griffiths at drama school - and shared an old class photo with us on the first day of rehearsals. After Richard's iconic performance and sad passing, Hector's plea 'pass it on' rallies us to deliver a fresh new production for these times.'

Joining the Creative Team alongside Michael Longhurst are Designer Chloe Lamford, Lighting Designer Neil Austin (Company), Music and Sound Ben and Max Ringham (The Full Monty), Choreographer Imogen Knight, Musical Director Tom Brady, Video Designer Tim Reid and Dialect Coach Richard Ryder (My Fair Lady).

Tickets for The History Boys are on sale now from Sheffield Theatres' Box Office, priced from £10.00. Call 0114 249 6000 or visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk to book.