Upon walking into Bedlam Theatre, I was immediately struck by the set design for The History Boys. The lighting, created by hanging bulbs concealed within the pages of opened books and the adornment of origami cranes, effectively created an atmosphere of academia and an air of prestige.
The History Boys, written by Alan Bennett and here directed by Lauren Green, focuses on a group of boys in sixth form in the mid-to-late 1980s. The play follows the interactions of the boys in class with their English teacher: Hector—played convincingly by Zephyrus Petit—and then with the newly appointed supply teacher Irwin—played by Lucas Knepper, who conveys Irwin’s inner turmoil with all the appropriate nuances. Through these gripping portrayals, the play explores the themes of the importance of education while offering this through the lens of inappropriate and abusive relationships between the boys and their teacher.
The play’s first act is scattered with musical outbursts, comedic dialogue and even a whole section spoken in French (subtitles are displayed on the blackboard at the back of the stage, although these are easily missed). Darcey Chong, expertly playing the role of Posner deserves special mention for her captivating singing, which creates some of the play’s most stand-out moments.
Quickly, the audience is introduced to the unique dynamic of the group of boys and the energetic and playful relationship they have with their teachers. It is in these interactions when much of the plays’ quick wit and intellectual references are made. There are moments when the Rudge—played by Ava Godfrey—speaks bluntly and brings the conversations back down to reality, helping provide a more grounded perspective. Her comedic timing means she is often responsible for the biggest laughs from the audience.
One of the most thought-provoking moments within the play is when the boys’ history teacher, Dorothy Lintott, has a speech regarding how history overlooks the women involved and that they are often left to deal with the mess created by men. Megan Crutchley—who plays Lintott—delivers this with an incredibly effective subtlety, a subtlety that is used throughout to add levity to the dialogue.
Eric Parker, playing Dakin provides an outstanding performance and displays the vulnerability of his character with often animated responses to the dialogue. Bella Burgess, Kit Chatterton, Olivia Dale, Lila Dhiri and Theodore Casimir-Lambert make up the rest of the cast of the school boys and also display a strong natural flair for performance. Overall, Green’s production is a great success and provides an entertaining rendition of the critically acclaimed, The History Boys.
Production Image by Emily Harp(@emilyroseharp on Instagram) provided as press material.