An all-female production team leads the almost male cast as Wanderlust Theatre brings Alan Bennett’s The History Boys to the Hope Street Theatre from the 24th to the 27th July.
The History Boys “celebrates an unruly group of bright, funny boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at University” and is amongst the finest of works by the Yorkshire playwright. The play has won Olivier and Tony Awards and was first performed in 2004, transferring to Broadway with a successful film following in 2006.
The plot follows students of varying backgrounds from a grammar school in Sheffield as the complete an additional term at school before interviewing for Oxbridge in 1983.
The History Boys celebrates these young men and everything they stand for, at a time when the working classes were guaranteed nothing. The play delves into the relationships of these Oxbridge hopefuls with each other as well as the teachers preparing to send them out into the world. Bennett’s characters must balance their aspirations and achievements with their own internal struggles, teaching staff and students alike.
Wanderlust Theatre Company has assembled a cast of North West actors which is predominantly male as there is only one female character in the play. This is balanced by the all-female production team working behind the scenes to make the show happen.
Lauren Steele, Artistic Director of Wanderlust and Director of The History Boys commented, “It’s such a joy to work with a beautifully written script, but we’re also lucky to have found talented and energetic actors who are willing to really do it justice. The cast is made up of the full spectrum of Liverpool talent and we have set about channelling their unique abilities into Bennett’s singularly evocative world. We’re achieving something quite special.”
Performances will take place on 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th July at 7.30pm at The Hope Street Theatre.
Tickets are available to purchase via Ticket Quarter or via The Hope Street Theatre.