Media Release: NEW SEASON OF ALAN BENNETT’S THE HISTORY BOYS

Wednesday 22nd of June 2009

Our personal journeys through education and learning are at the core of the new production of The History Boys opening at Cromwell Road Theatre on the 17th of July.

“First and foremost audiences will be thrust back through their own experiences of schooling and growing up. The play asks what is education? Is it a life-changing force, a means to an end, a form of self-improvement or a precious gift which should be valued for its own sake?” says director Bryce Ives (Call Girl the Musical at Chapel off Chapel and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown! at Cromwell Road Theatre)

“The History Boys is one of the most celebrated new plays of this decade and internationally regarded as Alan Bennett’s finest work. Whether audiences have seen this production in Sydney, London, on film, or are coming to it for the first time, The History Boys will have a fresh and powerful impact at the intimate Cromwell Road Theatre.”

The multi-award winning comedy follows an unruly bunch of bright and brash sixth-form boys from a northern grammar school in the Thatcherite eighties. The boys are, naturally, in pursuit of sex, sport, spirituality… and a coveted place at one of England’s finest universities.

Their headmaster (Peter Maver), obsessed with results, enlists the help of Irwin (Tristan Lutze), a shrewd young temporary teacher to provide exam-busting tricks. The boys are torn between their loyalty to the hugely eccentric, poetry-spouting English master Hector (Chris Gaffney), the regular diet of nourishing facts dispensed by Mrs. Lintott (Beryle Frees), their history mistress, and the radical approach of Irwin.

“This new production considers the value and meaning of education in an intensely moving, funny and thought-provoking experience. The play is a celebration of the joys of language, intellectual exploration and inspirational educators,” says Ives.

Alan Bennett started with Beyond the Fringe and has written numerous plays, novels, and other notable works. The original London production of The History Boys won three 2005 Olivier Awards while the New York production won five Drama Desk Awards and a record six Tony awards.

Bookings are now open on our website: http://www.historyboys.com.au/

For more information on The History Boys or media enquiries please contact:
Margaret Fisk, Production Manager, P 0409 211 293 |E tfmf@ozemail.com.au

The History Boys
Written By Alan Bennett
Presented by Boroondara Theatre Company

Starring
Chris Gaffney, Tristan Lutze, Beryle Frees & Peter Maver
and the eight History Boys: James Cook, Stuart Daulman, Gerard Lane, Riki Lindsey, Luigi Lucente, Fabio Motta, Kevin Newman & Elliot Roberts

Director
Bryce Ives

Designer
Jeremy Bailey Smith

Lighting Designer
Karla Engdahl

Technical Director
Damien Calvert

Production Manager
Margaret Fisk O.A.M.

Performances
July 17th, July18th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 25th at 7.30pm
July19th at 5pm
July 18th & 25th at 2pm

Tickets
$28 Adults / $25 Concession / $25 for Groups of 5 or more.

Venue
Cromwell Road Theatre,
27a Cromwell Road South Yarra

Bookings
http://www.historyboys.com.au/
phone: 9809 1546

For more information on The History Boys or media enquiries please contact:
Margaret Fisk, Production Manager, P 0409 211 293 |E tfmf@ozemail.com.au