The History Boys at The Belgrade Theatre

“History? It’s just one f***ing thing after another.”

The 20th anniversary production of Alan Bennett’s brilliant modern classic, winner of 30 major awards, and voted The Nation’s Favourite Play in 2013.

A-Level results day. Cutler’s Grammar School. 1980s Sheffield.

Eight unruly teenagers burst into adulthood with the best grades their school has ever seen, but their sights are set on something higher: to study at the most famous academic institutions in the world – Oxford and Cambridge. But their teachers can’t agree how best to tutor them. There’s Hector, the maverick English teacher who believes in culture for its own sake; Irwin – the shrewd supply teacher full of soundbites; Felix – the headmaster obsessed with league tables and Mrs Lintott – the History teacher who thinks her colleagues are all fools.

The History Boys follows this bright bunch of boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university, lifting the lid on staffroom rivalries and the anarchy of adolescence.

This timely revival, directed by Seán Linnen, asks what is the purpose of education? And who is it for?

‘How very pleased I am that The History Boys are still here twenty years on finding a new audience.  “Pass it on” is Hector’s message – I hope the playgoers feel the same!’ Alan Bennett

“Intelligent, witty and hilarious. Passes with flying colours.” The Times

“Immensely funny … in short, a superb, life-enhancing play.” The Guardian

“Brilliantly funny with lines that we will be quoting for years to come… naughty, impish, endlessly ironic.” Financial Times