Lessons in Life and Laughter with the ‘History Boys’
To finish a busy and productive Half term, the Drama Department ventured closer to home and took GCSE and Sixth Form Drama students to watch Alan Bennett’s hit play ‘The History Boys’ at Malvern Theatres. The performance was the start of the 20th Anniversary tour, and it did not disappoint!
The production was filled with well-known 1980’s music, sung and played by a very talented cast in the roles of the ‘boys’ whilst the three ‘teachers’ and the ‘headmaster’ demonstrated their very mixed ideas on education and what was the right way to prepare these working class, incredibly bright boys for Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The superb yet simple set matched the piece’s energy, being a large revolving truck representing both the inside and outside of the classroom and the headmaster’s office. It was worked by the cast, turning it whilst performing, so there was no break in the piece’s fluidity.
This Tony award-winning play was a huge success and has produced some stimulating feedback from our students, both from the inspiration they gained and the many moments they can write about in their examinations.
‘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
Mrs Jilly Witcomb – Director of Drama
