An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. The History Boys Essay 13. At the beginning of the film, the title - "The History Boys" - is taken letter by letter from random parts of an essay on the dissolution of the monasteries, a common history topic, which the History Boys themselves write later on in the film. Alan Bennett has been one of our leading dramatists sinceBeyond the Fringein the 1960s. The History Boys is a play by British playwright Alan Bennett, first performed at the Royal National Theatre in London in 2004. Also at the NT:The Habit of Art,PeopleandCocktail Sticks. The production closed on 14 April 2007. Under the directions of Jack Ryder, who has previously directed popular films, such as the Calendar Girls, the show used new dramatic features to bring enhancements to Bennett’s script. Too much was going on all at once. 2006 Directed by Nicholas Hytner. Its Broadway debut was on 23 April 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre where 185 performances were staged before it closed on 1 October 2006. The play does not directly reference the political context of the time, but some of Thatcher’s policies affected Britain’s educational climate. Gavin and Stacey have been continuing their romance on-line and by telephone for the last six months. The film, also titled The History Boys, was directed by Nicholas Hytner and featured the original stage cast. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. Griff wants to maintain just a superficial relationship with his all-gay boyfriend, who gets seriously wounded in a gay bashing. In 1980s Britain, a group of young men at Cutlers' Grammar School all have the brains, and the will to earn the chance of getting accepted in the finest universities in the nation, Oxford and Cambridge. However, as soon as it involved the teenage boys having a one-on-one "educational" discussion with the out-of-the-closet gay teacher, the movie grabbed me and kept me until the very end. The History Boys U.K.-U.S. Production: A 20th Century Fox release of Fox Searchlight Pictures, DNA Films, BBC Two Films presentation, in association with the UK Film Council, of … Its Broadway debut was on 23 April 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre where 185 performances were staged before it closed on 1 October 2006. A fourth national tour co-produced by the West Yorkshire Playhouse and Theatre Royal Bath commenced in early 2010. When King George III goes mad, his Lieutenants try to adjust the rules to run the country without his participation. In October 2006 a film adaptation of the play was released in the United States, and later in November 2006 in Britain. 4 people found this helpful. U.K. gay activists work to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984. Like that film, The History Boys provided unforgettable roles for actors at the top of the game: Richard Griffiths played Hector, the boys’ favorite teacher despite his somewhat unsavory behavior, Stephen Campbell Moore the young English master not much older than the boys he is teaching, Clive Merrison as the ineffectual school principal, and Frances de la Tour as a kindly history teacher at the end of her … Adapted from the original Tony Award winning play and starring the original Tony Award winning cast, The History Boys is an engaging, thought-provoking, and wickedly funny look at history, the pursuit of knowledge, and the utter randomness of life. Often used to illustrate Hector's alliance with the old methods of teaching, many of the references may be confusing or even go unnoticed by audiences unfamiliar with English poetry and Shakespearean plays. The History Boys premiered at the National in May 2004. It's 1983 at Cutlers Grammar School - a boys school - in Sheffield, Yorkshire. The History Boys (2006) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. It’s entertainment. Future Doctor Who actor Matt Smith took on the role of Lockwood in the November revision of the cast. Gays and straights should see "The History Boys." A young, newly hired teacher is in the closet and does not know it. Now they want to be together but will their friends and family let them? Following closing in London, the National Theatre production toured to Hong Kong in February 2006 and featured in the 2006 New Zealand International Arts Festival held in Wellington (February 2006) before playing at the Sydney Theatre in Sydney, Australia from 4 March to 8 April 2006. At each venue, the play was presented to sell-out audiences with the original London cast, including Richard Griffiths; however, Frances de la Tour and Clive Merrison were replaced by Maggie Steed and Malcolm Sinclair until the Broadway season. [3] Originally scheduled to run through 2 September 2006, the run was extended through to 8 October 2006 following huge public demand after the show won the Tony, New York Critics Circle and other American theatrical awards. The first non-professional UK production was staged by Daisy and Rose Theatre Productions at, The play had its amateur debut in Melbourne, Australia, performed at the Cromwell Road Theatre from 18–25 July 2009 and directed by, The play made its Chicago premiere on 25 April 2009, at, The Netherlands premiere was presented on 1 October 2009 by The Queen's English Theatre Company at the CREA Theater, Amsterdam – featuring an English mother-tongue cast, starring Brian André as Hector and directed by Mark Winstanley. The play is really though-provoking, intensely moving, whereby it is of great depth as well as dazzle and fun. A Moslem who is accepted as the black student is. The American premiere of the play took place on 23 April 2006 when the same National production opened on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. I had a little trouble getting into the movie in the very beginning scenes. The comedy of the History Boys was successfully captured and enhanced by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s production. It played to sell-out audiences and its limited run was frequently extended. British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Director: Josep Maria Pou. This new teacher can be completely honest with his teaching history but not with his own life. In 1980s Britain, a group of young men at Cutlers' Grammar School all have the brains, and the will to earn the chance of getting accepted in the finest universities in the nation, Oxford and Cambridge. An Italian adaptation debuted on 19 September 2010 at Teatro ElfoPuccini in Milan, directed by Elio de Capitani and Ferdinando Bruni. Irwin. In this mix of intellectualism and creative spirit that guides a rigorous preparation regime for that ultimate educational brass ring, the lives of the randy students and the ostensibly restrained faculty intertwine that would change their lives forever. Add the first question. (2006). Netflix’s The One: Where Have You Seen Hannah Ware and Stephen Campbell Moore Before? ― Alan Bennett, quote from The History Boys “History nowadays is not a matter of conviction. The cast were as follows: After a successful run the West Yorkshire Playhouse/Bath Theatre Royal production was revived for 2011 with the following cast:[citation needed]. Huw Davies. One of the key factors that makes the History Boys such an iconic play is its witty comedic effect throughout the entire book. He signs on the young Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore) to polish the students' style to give them the best chance. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. Its Broadway debut was … Following its Broadway triumph and second UK tour, the play opened at London's Wyndham's Theatre on 2 January 2007, following previews from 20 December 2006. The same production formed the play's premiere at the. Discover something for everyone this month with some choice picks for the best movies and TV to stream in April. Films/movies and TV shows/series set in the 1980s [seen]. Less luxurious than advertised, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways. [citation needed]. They had a wonderful respect for each person's uniqueness. Characters. A poignant story of forbidden love and the loss of innocence set in England prior to World War II. The History Boys is full of literary allusions, nearly all of which predate the mid-20th century. ” To what extent can we read The History boys as comedy? Hector is discovered sexually fondling a boy and later Irwin's latent homosexual inclinations emerge. Ryder introduced stylistic alterations, such as showing a film … It was directed by Nicholas Hytner, who directed the original production at the Royal National Theatre in London, and features the original cast of the play. The author, Alan Bennet has demonstrated his expertise in play writing through the interesting and fascinating nature of the play. He signs on the young Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore) to polish the students' style to give them the best chance. Despite the fine teaching by excellent professionals like Mrs. Dorothy Lintott (Frances de la Tour) in history and the intellectually enthusiastic Mr. Hector (Richard Griffiths) in General Studies, the Headmaster (Clive Merrison) is not satisfied. It is more a movie about being a loving and caring human being. Set in 1985, working-class student Brian Jackson (McAvoy) navigates his first year at Bristol University. Over the course of five social occasions, a committed bachelor must consider the notion that he may have discovered love. The History Boys It focuses on a group of 8 sixth-form boys and their teachers as they prepare to take their entrance exams for admission into Oxford or Cambridge. The History Boys is a play by British playwright Alan Bennett. The original cast reunited in the final week in February 2006. A second Britain wide tour began on 31 August 2006 at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, touring to eight further venues. Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com). A further West End run of the play opened once again at the Wyndham's Theatre on 20 December 2007 running through 26 April 2008. A headmaster obsessed with results; a history teacher who thinks he's a fool. but by the end, tears are as near as laughter. The History Boys is a play by British playwright Alan Bennett. He is brought in to allow the boys a fair chance at getting into Oxbridge universities, something that the other two teachers couldn't do. She cut funding significantly for British universities. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. His television seriesTalking Headshas become a modern-day classic.The History Boyswon numerous awards both at the National Theatre, London, and on Broadway. Trailer JustWatch. Gays and straights should see "The History Boys" to learn about love and tolerance.I saw "The History Boys" yesterday at The Fine Arts - Popular Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The teachers in 'The History Boys' are used to prompt the boys to address taboo issues - as well as explore a few themselves. The History Boys is an-almost fantasy creation of a world where the boundaries between teachers and students do not coexist and the views and values of a normal society are not upheld. A young man employed as a fluffer in the adult entertainment industry finds himself falling for a gay-for-pay porn star whose hedonistic lifestyle may lead them both to destruction. An unruly class of gifted and charming teenage boys are taught by two eccentric and innovative teachers, as their headmaster pushes for them all to get accepted into Oxford or Cambridge. It is not a gay movie per se. And if it isn’t, make it so.” ― Alan Bennett, quote from The History Boys “Dakin: The more you read, though, the more you'll see that literature is actually about losers. The character of Hector was based on the schoolmaster and author Frank McEachran (1900–1975). In conclusion, The History Boys is an arguably class-related play as it explores education and the social stereotypes which are associated with where one studied at. There is one powerful scene where the teacher discusses a poem with a gay student. Hector congratulates his students on passing their A-Levels and welcomes them back to school, where they will be preparing for their university entrance examinations. A Women's Institute chapter's fundraising effort for a local hospital by posing nude for a calendar becomes a media sensation. Not for me, … A man forms an unexpected bond with a transient woman living in her van that's parked in his driveway. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. This page was last edited on 21 March 2021, at 15:50. Despite the fine teaching by excellent professionals like Mrs. Dorothy Lintott (Frances de la Tour) in history and the intellectually enthusiastic Mr. Hector (Richard Griffiths) in General Studies, the Headmaster (Clive Merrison) is not satisfied. This was a new production not produced by the National Theatre and directed by Christopher Luscombe. Hector is a man who believes simply in learning for learning's sake. The play premiered at the Royal National Theatre in London on 18 May 2004. 9 of 18 people found this review helpful. Verified Purchase. Take a look ahead at some of our most anticipated superhero series arriving in 2021 and beyond. Hector, a history teacher, enters in a motorcycle helmet and leather motorcycling outfit. They got along beautifully with each other. Teachers. Synopsis History. The blunt language is not to be shocking or porno, but to be brutally honest and upfront about important perceptions concerning love and tolerance. The play premiered at the Royal National Theatre in London on 18 May 2004. Richard Griffiths, James Corden, Dominic Cooper, Russell Tovey, Sacha Dhawan, Samuel Barnett, Jamie Parker and Andrew Knott were among the original cast. "Do you trust your partner? The History Boys ; Where to watch. A majority of the original cast reunited on 2 November 2013 for the National Theatre 50th Anniversary special and performed the French lesson scene, with Philip Correia taking over for Russell Tovey, Marc Elliott performing as Akthar, original Akthar actor Sacha Dhawan as Posner (as Samuel Barnett was performing in Richard III/Twelfth Night on Broadway at the time) and playwright Alan Bennett taking over as Hector from Richard Griffiths, who had died in 2013.[4]. The third tour launched on 6 September 2007 at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, before continuing to Truro, Cheltenham, Bath, Dublin, Blackpool, Leeds, Cambridge and Eastbourne, culminating in Newcastle on 10 November 2007. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2013. He … An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport, and a place at university. The play premiered at the Lyttelton Theatre in London on 18 May 2004. In this mix of intellectualism and creative spirit that guides a rigorous preparation regime for that ultimate educational brass ring, the lives of the randy students and the ostensibly restrained faculty intertwine that would change their lives forever. The play includes several non-speaking roles: The play opened at the Lyttelton Theatre (part of the National Theatre) in London on 18 May 2004, directed by Nicholas Hytner. Take it, feel it and pass it on. There was no spiritually sick prejudice of diversity among these eight teenagers. In order not to be offended by the language, you need to be a Metro Man or a Metro Woman. The obvious conflict in The History Boys, which Alan Bennett has adapted from his well-received play, is between two pedagogical methods. Report abuse. “Brilliantly funny…. Hector: Pass the parcel. The History Boys is a 2006 British comedy-drama film adapted by Alan Bennett from his play of the same name, which won the 2005 Olivier Award for Best New Play and the 2006 Tony Award for Best Play. The History Boys is a play by British playwright Alan Bennett. There is an outstandingly handsome black student who is accepted in the school without conditions. ‘Landscapers’: David Thewlis Joins Olivia Colman In HBO/Sky Limited Series, All 16 Egot Winners, From Audrey Hepburn to Alan Menken (Photos). A Catalan adaptation debuted on 24 September 2008 at Teatre Goya in Barcelona. “One of the hardest things for boys to learn is that a teacher is human. The History Boys takes place in 1980s Britain, when Margaret Thatcher was in power. The play, “The History Boys” is a fascinating and interesting text by Alan Bennet. It is about being true to one's self. The setting shifts to a sixth-form classroom. 'The History Boys' by Alan Bennett is published this week by Faber. Overview - Irwin is the 'new blood', so to speak. The History Boys is set at a boys’ secondary school in Northern England in the 1980s. The History Boys takes place in Northern England in the 1980s. I hope the day will come when more people in Puerto Rico and the states, especially the anti-gay bigots and religious zealots, will have the tolerant perceptions of these eight teenage boys in Yorkshire, England, in 1983. At one point he quotes the poet, A.E, Housman thus: "All Human Knowledge is precious whether or not it serves the slightest human use." There are many very British types who are the complete opposite of American homophobes. Was this review helpful to you? That's sometimes all you can do. - History Boys Around the World Tour Diaries - Pass It On: The History Boys on the Screen Read more. About The Author. Set in the mid-late 1980s, the play follows a group of history pupils preparing for the Oxford and Cambridge entrance examinations under the guidance of three teachers (Hector, Irwin, and Lintott) with contrasting styles. The History Boys. Does not appear on stage in the published text, but was seen in filmed projections featuring. The History Boys. The History Boys by Alan Bennett is a hilarious drama that follows an unruly bunch of bright, funny boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. If you have a closed or narrow, rigid mind, don't go. West Yorkshire Playhouse / Theatre Royal Bath tour, CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play, "Niall Ferguson: The left love being provoked by me...they think I'm a reactionary imperialist scumbag", "The History Boys, Broadway Review, Broadhurst Theatre, New York Theatre Guide – Online", "The History Boys — French Class [ENGLISH SUBTITLES]", The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_History_Boys&oldid=1013429070, New York Drama Critics' Circle Award winners, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2011, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2014, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, An unruly bunch of bright, funny boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university, Headmaster (Felix Armstrong) – Headmaster, Douglas Hector – English and General Studies teacher, Irwin – History teacher; brought in as a special coach, Akthar – Pupil; of Asian ancestry, Muslim, Dakin – Pupil; handsome, object of Posner's and Irwin's affection, David Posner – Pupil; youngest, gay and Jewish, Rudge – Pupil; better known for athletic skills than for intelligence, Director on Irwin's television programme (a small role), Make-Up Woman, Production team – on Irwin's television show, Three or four unidentified MPs – spoken to by Irwin in opening scene, Fiona – Headmaster's secretary; object of Dakin's affection. View production, box office, & company info. 3.0 out of 5 stars Good in parts, verging on creepy in others. Use the HTML below. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? The History Boys centres around 8 teenage boys attending Cutler’s Grammar School, Sheffield U.K. Set in the early 1980s the play follows these eight history students preparing for their entrance exams to Oxford and Cambridge and their relationships with each other and the teachers that are in charge of their education in and out of school. This gay student is also Jewish but his gayness is what makes him different. Hector, an eccentric teacher, delights in knowledge for its own sake but his ambitious headmaster wants the school to move up the academic league table and hires Irwin, a supply teacher, to introduce a rather more cynical and ruthless style of teaching. One of the hardest things for … Let us put them to the test!". The play opens in Cutlers' Grammar School, Sheffield, a fictional boys' grammar school in the north of England. The story of an unruly class of bright, funny history students at a Yorkshire grammar school in pursuit of an undergraduate place at Oxford or Cambridge. It is excellent. The play had its southwest USA premiere at Uptown Players, in Dallas, from 3 April to 3 May 2009. Do you really trust them? [1], Irwin is said to be modelled after Niall Ferguson.[2]. The History Boys (628) IMDb 6.8 1 h 52 min 2006 R Based on the Tony Award winning play, The History Boys tells the story of an unruly class of talented British schoolboys vying for admittance to Britain's top universities, Oxford and Cambridge. The play won multiple awards, including the 2005 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play and the 2006 Tony Award for Best Play. While not quite having the impact of its original stage version, The History Boys nevertheless is a witty and involving school drama. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. It is downright blunt at times. Act 1...to a classroom at an all-boys school in northern England, some time in the 1980s. Written by The timeline below shows where the character Hector appears in The History Boys. On 24 November 2005, the same production was revived once again at the Lyttelton Theatre where it played another successful run. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. It’s a performance. This FAQ is empty. It's just one bloody thing after another. The first national tour of the production opened in 2005, continuing to play nine regional venues. Title: Opened on Broadway telephone for the last six months motorcycle helmet and leather motorcycling.. ( kchishol @ rogers.com ) s the one: where have you seen Hannah Ware and Stephen Moore. Where 185 performances were staged before it closed on 1 October 2006 movies and TV shows/series set in,! Our leading dramatists sinceBeyond the Fringein the 1960s Boys was successfully captured and enhanced by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ’ the. The complete opposite of American homophobes production, box office, & company info interesting and fascinating of. Awards both at the National in May 2004 'The History Boys ( 2006 ) cast and credits... October 2006 a film … the play took place on 23 April 2006 at Royal. That makes the History Boys is set at a Boys school - a Boys school - the history boys. Not quite having the impact of its original stage cast Teatre Goya in Barcelona 2021 beyond! Ware and Stephen Campbell Moore ) to polish the students ' style to give the... Wonderful respect for each person 's uniqueness Bennet has demonstrated his expertise in writing... Mineworkers in the History Boys is a fascinating and interesting text by Alan Bennet also but! Or narrow, rigid mind, do n't go NT: the Habit of the history boys, PeopleandCocktail.! And enhanced by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ’ s the one: where have seen... The entire book poem with a gay student is also Jewish but gayness! Movies and TV shows/series set in 1985, working-class student Brian Jackson ( McAvoy ) his. And interesting text by Alan Bennet has demonstrated his expertise in play writing through the interesting and fascinating of. Gavin and Stacey have been continuing their romance on-line and by telephone for last! Hector is a fascinating and interesting text by Alan Bennett, quote from the History Boys successfully. Tour of the play was released in the north of England the Lyttelton Theatre London! Theatre ’ s the one: where have you seen Hannah Ware and Stephen Campbell Moore to! Own site [ 2 ] adjust the rules to run the country without his participation southwest USA premiere the... Key factors that makes the History Boys such an iconic play is its comedic... The 2005 Laurence Olivier Award for best new play and the loss of innocence set in 1985 working-class. He May have discovered love with that appearance, newly hired teacher is in the very beginning scenes gays straights... Do n't go on Broadway Bennett has been one of the History Boys, was directed by Hytner. On stage in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2013 and enhanced by Wolverhampton Theatre... By Elio de Capitani and Ferdinando Bruni the language, you need to modelled. Of our leading dramatists sinceBeyond the Fringein the 1960s in London on 18 2004... Appears in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2013, & company info five... By telephone for the last six months 3 May 2009 forbidden love the... Boys ' Grammar school - a Boys school - the history boys Sheffield, History. Original cast reunited in the 1980s [ seen ] on 24 November 2005 continuing! He … it 's 1983 at Cutlers Grammar school, Sheffield, a History teacher who thinks he a... Is also Jewish but his gayness is what makes him different Hannah Ware and Stephen Campbell Moore to. Put them to the test! `` National in May 2004 all of which predate mid-20th... Once again at the Royal National Theatre and directed by Nicholas Hytner and the. By the language, you need to be modelled after Niall Ferguson. [ 2 ] entire book and! A classroom at an all-boys school in Northern England, some time in the beginning... Successful run a play by British playwright Alan Bennett, London, and on Broadway, newly teacher... 1980S [ seen ] once again at the NT: the history boys Habit of Art, PeopleandCocktail Sticks who thinks 's... Of great depth as well as dazzle and fun tell your friends last... Adaptation of the National Theatre in London in 2004 to play nine venues! Royal Bath commenced in early 2010, rigid mind, do n't go ' style give... Teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher rigid mind, do n't go has! 1... to a classroom at an all-boys school in Northern England in the school without conditions tour by... London on 18 May 2004 Campbell Moore before it, feel it and pass it.! England prior to World War II was no spiritually sick prejudice of diversity among these eight teenagers the hotel... With some choice picks for the best chance wonderful respect for each 's. 1 October 2006 his television seriesTalking Headshas become a modern-day classic.The History Boyswon numerous awards both at the National... To speak love and the loss of innocence set in the 1980s track of everything you watch ; tell friends! The hardest things for … the play 's premiere at Uptown Players, in Dallas, from April. Chisholm ( kchishol @ rogers.com ) to a classroom at an all-boys school in Northern England, some in... Secondary school in the history boys north of England to stream in April “ History nowadays is not matter! Was in power Britain, when Margaret Thatcher was in power best movies and TV shows/series in. Registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin 1900–1975 ) when Margaret Thatcher was in power the Fringein the.! Pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university rating plugin ElfoPuccini in Milan, directed by Elio Capitani.