The cast of The History Boys. Photo Credit Matt Martin Photography (6)

Crewe Lyceum’s programme of productions has gone from strength to strength this year, writes Claire Faulkner.

And it was a real treat to be at opening night for ‘The History Boys’ on Tuesday night (May 5).

Written by Alan Bennett, presented by Sell a Door Theatre Company and directed by Kate Saxon, this production is a rare gem, and quite possibly one of the best things I’ve ever seen at The Lyceum in a very long time.

Now I can understand why ‘The History Boys’ was voted the ‘Nations Favourite Play’ in 2014.

Set in the 1980s, the play tells the story of a group of students who are studying for Cambridge and Oxford entrance exams.

Life is just starting for these characters, and they are full of youth, hope and ambition.

Kedar Williams-Stirling is wonderful as the strong-willed and confident ‘Dakin’, and Steven Roberts brings the character of ‘Posner’ to life with sensitivity and complete understanding.

The teachers, all contrasting in their styles and beliefs, are also brilliantly portrayed.

Mark Field as the young supply teacher ‘Irwin’, comes in with new opposing ideas to that of existing well-established teacher ‘Hector’, played by Richard Hope.

Christopher Ettridge is simply superb as the league table obsessed headmaster and Susan Twist gives a great performance as ‘Mrs Lintott’.

Content of ‘The History Boys’ raises lots of questions for the audience to consider and debate.

This, alongside such a skilful production, is what makes this show so special for everyone to enjoy.

‘The History Boys’ is showing at The Lyceum until Saturday May 9.

For ticket availability, visit www.crewelyceum.co.uk

One Comment

  1. Nick Copeland says:

    Very very disappointing.
    Generally very well acted produced and directed but the play is just mind numbingly boring!
    I was looking forward to this much hyped performance but I thought it was tedious for 90% of the time.
    Sorry – perhaps it’s me……

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