The History Boys returns to the West End for first time in 20 years

The History Boys will return to London’s West End next year for the first time in 20 years.

Considered one of the best plays of the 21st Century, the production received its world premiere at the National Theatre in 2004 before transferring to the West End and Broadway, winning three Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards.

The original 2004 production made stars out of actors James Corden, Russell Tovey, Dominic Cooper, Jamie Parker and Samuel Barnett, who all appeared in the 2006 film adaptation.

It was last on in the West End from December 2007 to April 2008.

Alan Bennett said the play was one of his happiest to write (Ian West/PA Wire)

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Set against the backdrop of 1980s Britain, Alan Bennett’s play follows eight schoolboys at an all-boys grammar school in Sheffield, as they navigate sex, school politics and their teachers’ intellectual battle of wills.

Nicholas Hytner, who directed the original production, has returned to direct the new run, while Bob Crowley has returned to design the set.

Hytner said: “More than 20 years after it opened, it’s the right time to be bringing this great and much loved play back to the London stage.

“I can’t wait to take another look at it, and to introduce it to a new generation of theatre goers.

“My collaboration with Alan Bennett has been central to my creative life, and it’s a delight to be back in the theatre with him again.”

The play will be directed by Nicholas Hytner (Ian West/PA)

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Bennett said: “The History Boys is one of the happiest plays I’ve written. Or rather, it was one of the happiest of my plays to write.

“It was also one of the quickest to set down, taking far less than my usual five years. So, something of a record for me.

“The play is full of quotes and has itself become eminently quotable. A joy for any playwright. I welcome its return under Nicholas Hytner.”

Producers Brian and Dayna Lee said: “When Nicholas Hytner’s production of The History Boys first arrived on the London stage, it was an era-defining moment in contemporary British theatre.

“It was a cultural phenomenon that enthralled audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and introduced a new generation to the power of theatre.

“It’s a privilege to bring Alan Bennett’s landmark production back to the West End for the first time in 20 years, with the incomparable Nicholas Hytner once again at the helm, as we continue our partnership that began with Giant and continued more recently with The Standard of Living.

“Bennett’s sharp, funny and deeply moving exploration of institutional culture, class and education feels as timely as ever.

“We can’t wait to share this remarkable production with a whole new generation.”

The History Boys will run from April 10 to July 24 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Tickets will go on general sale from 9am on Friday October 23, with 20,000 tickets priced at £25 available throughout the run.