The History Boys by Alan Bennett
Posted By Ghost (21 February, 2005)
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|  The new play by Alan Bennett, currently being performed at the National
Theatre, blends a familiar amount of humour, commentary, multiple levels and
themes. Set in 1980’s Sheffield, it tells the tale of a group of young lads,
studying history, whom are all seeking to go to either Oxford or Cambridge
University, and the two teachers with contrasting styles who guide them.
This being Alan Bennett it is, of course, about many more things
than that. The History Boys covers a good deal of growing up and learning
territory. However, it also covers paedophilia, teaching methods, homosexuality
and the education system. The remarkable thing is that besides all of this, it
manages to be extremely funny.
Richard Griffiths plays Hector, who
aside from English is in charge of General Studies – the ‘waste of time’
lessons. He, in typical flamboyant fashion, seeks to inure his young charges
from the perils of education by filling them with quotations, songs, sketches,
films – a ‘prescribed amount of silliness’ as he puts it. In opposition to him
stands Steven Campbell Moore as Irwin, whose teaching methods aim more towards a
fixed goal. The goal in this case is the Oxbridge Entrance Exam.
The main
contrast of the play is between these two, with the boys acting as sounding
boards and bouncing ideas, phrases and often poetry between themselves. Should
they learn history by facts, examining them for the causes and effects of
history, or should they seek an angle and attempt to prove something for the
sake of argument?
Around this conflict and the organised chaos of school
sits two more figures. The Headmaster, well played by Clive
Merrison is desperate for league table positions, favouring success at all
costs. Lastly, but by no means least stands Mrs Lintott who has
provided such a firm foundation in facts for the boys. Frances de la Tour does
an excellent job of keeping a straight face (and a world-weary smile upon it),
pointing out to one lad that if he’s fed up with being discriminated against she
can relate – she’s been a female historian for twenty years.
The tale is
quick paced, action packed and constantly pushing forward. The whole cast
excels, particularly Samuel Barnett as Posner, Jamie Parker as
Scripps and Dominic Cooper as Dakin playing the three central
boys. It’s hard to pick out even those performers I have mentioned so far, as
the rest of the cast keeps up the high standards.
This is, fundamentally,
a very funny play. The level of quickness of wit displayed by every character
renders it continuously chucklesome, with laugh-out-loud moments coming on a
very regular basis. Of particular note was a school scene set in French,
unexpectedly interrupted by the Headmaster, but it’s hard to pick out one
section.
Overall, a witty, interesting,
entertaining piece of theatre with some serious points to make about what
constitutes good teacher, and where that line is crossed into abuse, all mixed
up another debate on teaching, plus a healthy dollop of wit, humour and
excellent acting. At the risk of sounding cliched, I’d say it ranks Top of the
Class.
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