THE HISTORY BOYS AT THE PLAYHOUSE + BONUS

Anthony Howes’ last production in Perth as Artistic Director of Midnite will be Alan Bennett’s brilliant play The History Boys which will be performed at the Playhouse Theatre from 15-18 October.

A star cast of Edgar Metcalfe, Jenny McNae, Rick Hearder and Stuart Halusz will be joined by eight of Midnite’s best young actors in this multi-award winning play.

Set in a boys’ school in the 80’s, it follows a group of eight teenage boys preparing for the Oxbridge entrance examinations under the guidance of teachers with contrasting styles. Conflicts ensue. Not least because Hector, the old idealist, and Irwin, the young pragmatist, represent opposite conceptions of what the study of history should be.

An additional bonus for this show will be a free talk ‘Education for Exams or Life? – The History Boys’ that will take place in the Playhouse Function Room from 6.45 – 7.15 pm before the shows on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Lead by Professor Chris Wortham, The Dean of Perth Dr John Shepherd and Canon Frank Sheehan, the talk will point to the themes and issues addressed in the play.

This is just one of the reviews that the play received:

‘What is astonishing is how much territory Bennett manages to cover: the teaching and meaning of history, inflexible and imaginative approaches ...... But behind the almost ceaseless laughter lies a hymn to the joys of language, intellectual exploration and inspirational educators. In short, a superb, life-enhancing play.’ The Guardian

Bookings at BOCS.