The History Boys
History may be “one fucking thing after another” as Rudge says, but it is also about the individuals who live through it. The History Boys tackles sweeping concepts through the lives of eight boys preparing for entry to Oxford and Cambridge Colleges.
Juxtaposing classic literature with the popular culture, this production is underscored by well curated music of the 1980s. Various other competing forces shape the students; educational philosophies, opposing values and teacher personalities.
The headmaster (Brendan Flynn) recruits extra coaching for his students from young supply teacher, Irwin (Rhys Prestedge). Irwin’s presence and methodology shifts the classroom and staffroom dynamic. Mrs Lintott (Di Richards) is the safe and trusted History teacher who has coached the boys through their A levels. Hector (Paul Levett), meanwhile, is the beloved and eccentric “general studies” teacher. Behind locked doors, Hector, takes the long view, instilling a love of literature which will console the boys through love, loss and the loneliness of their death bed. As is most often the case, the pragmatism of “teaching to the test” results in the ascendance of Irwin’s methods over the intrinsic love of learning fostered by Hector. Both characters are inherently problematic, and the boys become the cannon fodder of opposing motivations.
The play is well written but wordy and erudite, requiring much of the audience and yet alleviated by a great deal of humour. The merits of this production are in its direction, the adroit management of the set, and excellent casting.
There are many scenes in this play and the transition between the various classrooms and the staffroom is facilitated by pivoting panels and versatile hinged desks. Set changes are fluid. The crew is minimally evidenced as most of the rearrangement of desks is undertaken in a natural manner by the cast. Director, Goldsmith, inverts the classroom on several occasions without compromise to audibility. The actors are seen from a multiplicity of angles, reinforcing the theme of point of view versus ultimate truth.
Brendon Flynn is entirely convincing as the headmaster who occasionally, and humorously, loses his rag while balancing the competing demands of staff, boys, parents, timetables, and educational objectives. Flynn is an exceptional actor who adeptly manages to traverse the humour and horror of his confrontation with Hector.
Paul Levett is the perfect casting for Hector, also adept at the dramatic and comedic. Levett gives a sympathetic portrayal of character who could otherwise be objectionable.
Rhys Prestedge is the Machiavellian, Irwin. Irwin is not all he seems with a loose regard for the truth. Prestedge is excellent in the role, gradually revealing the flaws of a character who, like Hector, is also weak and manipulative but in other ways.
Di Richards is the voice of reason as Mrs Lintott. She is a very strong performer and her monologue on the role of women in history is compelling.
The boys are a ragtag mixture that could be found in any school, all obsessed by sport, sex, exams, and uncertain futures.
Dakin, the charismatic leader, is played with assurance by Jonty Hilton. Intelligent and charming, his character is the lynchpin for much of what transpires. Hilton is compelling in the role.
Dakin’s offsider is the restrained and upright Scripps. Only joining the cast some three weeks out from opening, Fletcher Kamino gives an assured and thoughtful performance.
Oliver Dinnessen is the rugby obsessed, Rudge. Perfectly cast, Dinnessen’s singing voice is enthralling.
Hamish Chilcott is a well-known comedic talent who brings poignancy to the role of Posner. The scene in which he recites Thomas Hardy’s “Drummer Hodge” is especially moving since it is he, Posner, who suffers most.
Rounding out the cast is Blair O’Toole as the larrikin, Timms, Eli Horne who brings great physicality to Akthar, with Poppy Lennon (Crowther) and Carys Howatson (Lockwood). All are convincing and not overplayed depictions of youthful masculinity.
The History Boys shows the audience an environment where some thrive, and others barely survive while a number are thrown under a bus. History (and education) is about sweeping movements and large ideas but also about the foot soldiers who, like Drummer Hodge, are tossed unceremoniously into a roadside grave. The History Boys is an excellent play which has been intelligently brought to the stage in this current production.
Anne Blythe-Cooper
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