The History Boys At Theatre Royal Nottingham Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Alan Bennett’s The History Boys has long been celebrated as a modern classic of British theatre. On tour to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the latest production at Nottingham Theatre Royal lives up to its reputation with a deeply engaging, funny, and poignant performance.

Set in the 1980s, the play revolves around a group of unruly, bright boys at a Sheffield grammar school, preparing for the Oxbridge entrance exams under the guidance of their eccentric and enigmatic teachers. It explores themes of education, the nature of knowledge, sexuality and the moral complexities of growing up, wrapped in witty dialogue and sharp humour, typical of the writer, Bennett.

The performances at Nottingham Theatre Royal were outstanding with such a talented cast. Simon Rouse (The Bill) plays Hector, the maverick English teacher, with great complexity, balancing his larger-than-life eccentricity with moments of vulnerability. Hector’s counterpart Irwin, played by Bill Milner, is portrayed with cool detachment adding a tension between the old and new styles of teaching. Mrs Lintott, played by Gillian Bevan, is the only woman in the play. She is the much loved teacher who got them the A grades at A level history. She is a cynical observer and doesn’t get involved in the power struggle between the males. The Headmaster, Felix, played by Milo Twomey, is ambitious and wants to get the school higher up the league tables hoping that having alumni at Oxford or Cambridge will win him this.

The boys all brought vibrancy to their roles with each character having a distinct personality. Dakin, played by Archie Christop-Allen making his professional stage debut, Crowther played by Tashinga Bepete, Rudge played by Ned Costello, Timms by Teddy Hinde, Lockwood by Curtis Kemlo, Akthar, played by Mahesh Parmer, Scripps played by Yazdan Oafouri and Posner played by Lewis Cornay whose voice was phenomenal!

The revolving stage pivots between inside and outside of the classroom. The set and costume design by Grace Smart is simple yet effective with each different setting quickly moving the pace of the narrative along. I liked the way the cast moved the set in on and off the stage seamlessly whilst a blast of an 80s hit from New Order to Duran Duran and many more classics evoking the time period perfectly. Composer, arranger and sound designer, Russel Ditchfield deserves a pay rise for such fantastic choices.

One of the production’s greatest strengths was its dynamic energy. The dialogue bounced between characters in a way that was both fast-paced and natural, capturing the wit of Bennett’s script without losing its depth. There were also moments of striking emotional resonance, particularly in the exploration of personal relationships between the characters, both students and teachers. The juxtaposition of humour with these moments of introspection allowed the audience to reflect on the deeper themes—education, sexuality, and power dynamics—without ever feeling overwhelmed.

The History Boys at Nottingham Theatre Royal is a triumph. Directed by Sean Linnen, it skilfully balances humour and heart, offering a rich, thoughtful exploration of youth, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. Whether you’ve seen it before or are new to the play, this production breathes fresh life into a modern classic, leaving the audience with plenty to laugh (and cry) at—and also think about—long after the final curtain falls.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets are from £24.50 to £47.00. For more information or to book tickets, visit trch.co.uk.