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Overview
Synopsis
Set in a grammar school in Sheffield in the 1980s, The History Boys follows the path of eight sixth form pupils as they prepare to take their entrance exams to Oxford and Cambridge Universities (Oxbridge). They are led by the eccentric Hector, an ageing teacher who has a unique take on their General Studies course. However, his teaching is brought into question by the young, fresh Irwin, who has been brought in specifically to make sure that the boys excel in their Oxbridge exams and interviews. Mediating between the two is Mrs. Lintott, a teacher who goes by the book and follows a traditional, need-to-know teaching method. All three teachers face their own demons, as they attempt to guide the boys through examinations, interviews, and personal struggles. Throughout their studies, the boys and their teachers explore issues of gender roles, sexuality, the value of knowledge, and historical perception.
Show Information
- Book
- Alan Bennett
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2004
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Contemporary, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- Cutler's Grammar School, Sheffield, England, 1980s
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- Samuel French
- Ideal For
- College/University, Large Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Mature Adult, Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters
Context
Alan Bennett’s The History Boys premiered at The National Theatre in London in 2004. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, it featured the late Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour, Dominic Cooper, James Corden, and Russell Tovey among the original cast. It was nominated for 4 Olivier Awards in 2005, winning Best Director, Best New Play, and Best Actor in a Play (Richard Griffiths). The production was revived in November 2005 with a change of cast (including Matt Smith), running until February 2006.
to read the context for The History Boys and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
As the play begins, Irwin is in his forties and in a wheelchair. He is addressing a group of unspecified Members of Parliament (MPs). He is counselling them on an upcoming bill to be presented in parliament, and how they should conduct themselves during the live, televised debate. He compares it to being back in school, teaching once more...
In a classroom in Cutler’s Grammar School, Sheffield, eight sixth form boys enter and extravagantly remove their teacher’s motorcycle
to read the plot for The History Boys and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Silent |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher