Back to School! The History boys at the New Theatre, Cardiff

25th February 2011

Having enjoyed sell-out performances in Cardiff in 2006, The History Boys returns to the New Theatre from Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 March. Philip Franks stars in Alan Bennett’s brilliantly funny play that will have audiences laughing in the aisles as well as shedding the occasional tear.

Philip is best known for his roles as Charly Charlton in The Darling Buds of May and Sergeant Raymond Craddock in ITV’s Heartbeat. His numerous stage credits include acting and directing at Chichester Festival Theatre, National Theatre and the RSC.  

The History Boys follows a bunch of bright, boisterous and witty sixth formers as they prepare to sit their exams for Oxbridge whilst evading the distractions of sport and sex. Guiding the boys and the audience on this hilariously funny and sometimes moving journey are the teachers; the eccentric Hector, young enthusiastic Irwin and a league-table obsessed Headmaster. 

Alan Bennett has become one of Britain’s best loved and well known playwrights. In over 40 years of writing his other works include - Habeas Corpus, Single Spies, Kafka’s Dick, Enjoy, The Lady in the Van, 40 Years On and The Madness of George– still only a fraction of Bennett’s catalogue for stage and TV. 

Simultaneously hilariously, shocking and moving The History Boys has gone down in theatrical history as one of Bennett’s finest works. Seven prestigious British award ceremonies named The History Boys Best Play of the Year, with five American panels promptly following suit. The play has also won four Olivier Awards, theatre land’s equivalent of the Oscars, and an outstanding six Tony Awards for its Broadway run. In 2005, a film was made with the entire original cast, many of whom, including James Corden and Dominic Cooper, have subsequently become household names.

The History Boys is at the New Theatre, Cardiff from Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 March. Tickets range from £8.50 - £28.50 and can booked* via the Box Office on 029 2087 8889 or online at www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk.

* all tickets subject to a 50p Seating Improvement Contribution and online sales carry a small transaction charge

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