Alan Bennett’s The History Boys sits in the tricky position of being both nationally beloved and also oft-criticised for its affectionate portrayal of a predatory teacher. The 20th anniversary production, premiering in Bath before it heads out on a national tour, does not seem particularly interested in engaging with the sharp end of this criticism. If anything, Simon Rouse’s Hector is slightly less sleazy than other versions we’ve seen, bringing a curmudgeonly charm to the part.
Director Seán Linnen uses an extended set of bouncing pop numbers within the show, which infuses it with extra energy, but can also overwhelm. The tendency to jump to song means some moments, including Hector’s breakdown as he faces the end of his career, cannot sit and breathe as they perhaps should. The play moves pacily, although scene transitions can sometimes feel slightly abrupt, and the artificiality of seeing an entire lesson play out in five or ten minutes occasionally becomes somewhat obtrusive.
The production is well-costumed: Grace Smart dresses Irwin in a series of slightly embarrassing choices, and has fun with the 80s setting when we see the boys out of uniform. The set, too, works well – the mobile classroom set renders the insulation and wiring layer of the ceiling visible, giving us a literal, wildly unglamorous slice of the school.
The strongest scenes are between the boys as a group – here the energy of both the cast and Linnen’s direction is best displayed, with the boys bouncing raucously off each other, or breaking into cheeky acapella renditions. Archie Christoph-Allen’s Dakin has an excellent, almost predatory confidence to him, although he perhaps struggles slightly with Dakin’s more vulnerable side. Tashinga Bepete brings real heart to the smaller part of Crowther, particularly in the closing scenes. However, Lewis Cornay is the clear star of the show as Posner. He brings real wit and pathos to the part, soulful eyes staring entreatingly out at the audience – or Dakin. This production gives Posner the film ending, rather than the original play’s, leaving him stranded somewhere in the middle between Irwin and Hector’s approaches, between different forms of unhappiness.
Until 31 August.
Thereafter touring across the UK.
Written by Alan Bennett
Directed by Seán Linnen
Cast includes: Simon Rouse, Archie Christoph-Allen, Bill Milner, Gillian Bevan, Lewis Cornay.