The History Boys - UK Tour Review

Reviewed by Elle Milford 
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review

“It’s just one fucking thing after another” says Rudge when asked how he defines history by Mrs Lintott.

Photo by Marc Brenner

The History Boys is a play written by English playwright, Alan Bennett. The setting is a school in Sheffield in the eighties. We focus on eight young men who are aiming to get in to either Oxford or Cambridge university. 

Throughout the play we see not only how smart the boys are but also their cheek and wit. We also see the boys' relationship with a few of their teachers from general studies teacher Hector who has a certain fondness for the boys to Mrs Lintott who teaches the boys history and is much loved and the new barely out of university, Irwin who the boys often taunt and finally their pushy headmaster.

Directed by Sean Linnen, 'The History Boys’ has been cleverly reworked to show themes such as religion, culture, hope, truth and history to name a few. Direction has been worked to have moments of pure comedy and joy but ranges to the deep and meaningful at points as well. A standout scene would of course be the scene completed in French in Hector's classroom where the boys choose a scenario to act out to demonstrate the subjunctive, in which Dakin chooses a brothel. This scene had the audience in stitches and was visually chaotic especially once the headmaster enters the scene with Irwin at which point they improvise a more appropriate scenario.

Photo by Marc Brenner 

The use of music was incredible throughout the production often used for scene transitions but also within the script itself during the boys General Studies lessons with Hector which have a heavy cultural influence, what makes these even more incredible is the devotion that Lewis Cornay who played Posner whether its singing ‘Bewitched, bothered and bewildered’ or reenacting ‘A Brief Encounter’.

It would be hard to write about this show without the mention of the chemistry between the boys which is a massive part of Alan Bennett's writing. From Scripps and Dakins laddish conversations whilst an adoring Posner watches on, to Akthars wit and cheek, Rudge being so casual and unphased, Crowther showing the dramatics when questioning his teachers and Lockwood and Timms bringing pure comic moments that had everyone laughing out loud. Each character is totally different but seamlessly fits together, making it very tough to pick a standout!

Scripps played by Yazdan Qafouri was effortlessly sweet and narrated so clearly. Dakin, played by Archie Christoph-Allen, was smooth and cocky. Crowther, portrayed by Tashinga Bepete, created a very friendly character that was always playing on the Dramatics. Ned Costello, played Rudge, a character who is more interested in gold and rugby felt lovable for his normality. Lockwood, played by Curtis Kemlo, was cool and collected whilst providing some excellent comical moments. Previously mentioned was Lewis Cornay who played Posner with such innocence and vulnerability. Timms, played by Teddy Hinde, really provided the joker of the group energy and everytime he was on stage you knew you were going to crack up. And last but certainly not least, Akthar played by Mahesh Parmer who looked comfortable whilst being quick witted, funny and daring with his portrayal.

Photo by Marc Brenner

Whilst this tour being in its 20th anniversary it shows that even after 20 years the play is still relevant for its writing, its themes, its music and also its comedy whilst having deeper meaning. A great opportunity to see some more vibrant theatre. If you enjoyed the original production or even the film you will 100% enjoy this production.

The History Boys plays at Theatre Royal Nottingham until Saturday 14th September 2024. Tickets are available from https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/the-history-boys/. The tour continues until 2nd November 2024. https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/the-history-boys/