The History Boys Returns to London's West End
Alan Bennett's play is back after 20 years, with Nicholas Hytner directing and a warning about the decline of humanities teaching in state schools
The History Boys, Alan Bennett's acclaimed play, is returning to London's West End after a 20-year absence. The play, which explores themes of education, history, and adolescence, will run from April 10, 2027, to July 24, 2027, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Nicholas Hytner, who directed the original production, is back at the helm, with Bob Crowley designing the set.
The play follows eight boys at a grammar school in 1980s Sheffield as they prepare for their university entrance exams. Along the way, it takes on issues of adolescent desire, staffroom politics, and the competing ideas of learning as a route to achievement or an end in itself. The play won six Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards during its initial run, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays of the 21st century.
Nicholas Hytner has warned of an 'almost terminal decline' in humanities teaching in state schools, making the play's themes feel especially relevant today. The government is currently undertaking a major revision of the national curriculum and GCSEs, with a revised curriculum expected in spring 2027 and implementation from 2028. Hytner believes that the decline of humanities subjects in state schools has been a mistake, both for individual pupils and the country's economic future.
Alan Bennett has said that The History Boys is one of the happiest plays he's written, and he welcomes its return to the West End under Hytner's direction. The play's original production launched the careers of several notable actors, including James Corden, Russell Tovey, and Dominic Cooper.
## Why it matters The return of The History Boys to the West End comes at a time when the value of arts and humanities education is being debated. The play's exploration of the importance of learning for its own sake, rather than just as a means to an end, feels particularly relevant in today's education landscape. As the government revises the national curriculum, the play serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving humanities subjects in state schools.
The production will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on April 10, 2027, and will run for 16 weeks. The cast will be revealed in January 2027. With its timely themes and talented creative team, The History Boys is set to be one of the most anticipated productions of the year.
