The Sydney Theatre Company recently brought out the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain’s production of Alan Bennett’s ‘The History Boys’ for a five week season.
Bennett’s play is set in Britain in the 1980s. It is the Britain of Margaret Thatcher, social upheaval and rapid change. In the midst of the uncertainty, a class of clever, witty sixth form boys, with all the contradictions of youth. Like all about to enter unchartered waters, the boys look for leadership.
Enter their formidable English teacher, Hector. Curmudgeonly, dedicated, inspiring he is the kind of teacher who can change a student’s life. He is a believer in education as a bastion against life. But Hector has a dark side, and when his conduct provoked questions, loyalties are tested.
I have to admit to not being a big fan of the play. It was a bit too much in the inspiring teacher/ Dead Poets mould though it did have Bennett’s incisive writing style.
What I did enjoy was the class of the Royal National Theatre production with great acting all round, and of course the inimitable Richard Griffiths as Hector!