The History Boys

The History Boys, which was recently voted as the ‘Nation’s Favourite Play’, opened at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon last night (Monday 1^st June) and really got you thinking about your educational years.

It’s been ten years since the first production of this play by Alan Bennett and it’s soon obvious why it has proven to be so popular over time.

The night focuses on eight History students who stay on to study for Oxbridge exams, in the hope of attending either Cambridge or Oxford.

Sounds simple enough, but it isn’t. This wonderfully intelligent play takes you on a journey of laughter, surprise and also darkness.

Steven Roberts, who plays the awkward character of Posner, also stands out from the crowd. At first he is a tad annoying but very soon he grows to be very endearing.

The teachers that the storyline often revolves around are Hector, played by Richard Hope, and Irwin, played by Mark Field. They are intriguing in equal measure and have you feeling like you are part of the classroom.

Set in the early 1980s, the era is really brought alive by a fantastic set and relevant songs during scene changes.

An example of true talent, it’s great that the production is here to stay in Swindon until Saturday (1^st June).