History Boys

Class in Session!

History Boys

by Alan Bennett

Theatre Royal Bath Productions at Richmond Theatre until 2^nd November, then to continue on tour

Review by Viola Selby

It is hard to believe Alan Bennett’s much loved yet controversial masterpiece is now celebrating its 20th Anniversary, particularly when watching Sean Linnen’s refreshing rendition.  Through Linnen’s creative direction, a rather heavy script is given a youthful energy and pizazz, adding to the feel that the audience, as well as the cast, are all back to our sixth-form selves. 

Such nostalgia is then increased by the clever addition of a cappella 80s songs, often used in the transition between scenes, making the whole story flow smoothly at a perfect pace.  Flow is also achieved through the highly effective movement and choreography directed by Chi-San Howard.  Through the mastery of Russell Ditchfield as composer, arranger and sound designer and Eamonn O’Dwyer as musical director, the audience are transported back to the 80s.  This is also helped greatly by Grace Smart’s period-accurate costumes and simple yet effective stage design.  With just one set Smart creates a feel of two worlds: the classroom and everything else, highlighting the closeness of the characters both physically and emotionally.

The story centres on a group of history students at a grammar school in Sheffield, and just like any classroom there is a wealth of characters all of whom share a deep connection to one another.  This chemistry is undeniably created by the perfect portrayals each actor gives to their character.  For example, comedy is brought through the hilarious interactions of Crowther (Tashinga Bepete), Lockwood (Curtis Kemlo), Timms (Teddy Hinde) and Akhtar (Mahesh Parmer) all of whose energy bounces off one another whilst still differentiating their very different characters.  Ned Costello perfectly portrays Rudge’s unphased demeanour with a deeper sense of sensitivity and low self-esteem, making him a far more complex character than may first be perceived.  Lewis Cornay plays Posner with such vulnerability and innocence, even in his mesmerising singing, whilst still managing to encapsulate his inner struggle and heartache in his love for classmate Dakin.  Dakin on the other hand is played by Archie Christoph-Allen, who oozes such confidence yet with a youthful naivety, it is the most realistic portrayal of a popular teenager I have seen.  Yazdan Qafouri, who plays Scripps, eloquently narrates and portrays his young character’s love of his religion with such conviction, whilst also showing his skills as a talented pianist. 

These students are being tutored through their A Levels and Oxbridge interviews by their headmaster, played by Milo Twomey, who gives an excellent and most realistic representation of a stressed headmaster focusing on the image and representation of his school.  He is doing all he can to get his students into Oxbridge, as well as are three teachers, each with three different approaches and views on teaching, bringing both comedic clashes and thought-provoking conversations.  Each teacher is, just like the students, acted with an undeniably clear and extensive insight into their characters, creating a rich casting.  Irwin’s snooty yet passionate mask in the classroom, hiding his repressed and nervous nature, is effortlessly personified by Bill Milner.  This comes perfectly into conflict with the more eccentric and seemingly more liked teacher Hector, played by Simon Rouse, who expertly conveys this complex, conflicting and central character.  Rouse highlights Hector’s likeable and  passionate demeanour, but also the eventual reveal of his paedophilic nature, denial of his own sexuality and feeling of failure of his life in a sensitive and highly emotive manner.

Finally, and one of my favourite characters, has to be Gillian Bevan’s Mrs Lintott as, through Bevan’s confident and assuring presence on stage and her natural dry wit and delivery of lines, Lintott becomes a leader and maternal voice of reason as well as inspiration for the others. 

So after twenty years, and through the exceptional work of cast and crew, Linnen’s rendition keeps Bennett’s work not only still relevant but also highly entertaining and deeply moving.  A must for Bennett lovers and newbies!

Viola Selby, October 2024

Photography by Marc Brenner