The History Boys

Shortland Street star Harry McNaughton takes to the stage with George Henare OBE and Annie Whittle in Peach Theatre Company’s Auckland premiere production of Alan Bennett’s multi-award winning comedy The History Boys- on at Maidment Theatre from October 8.

In The History Boys McNaughton takes a star turn as Dakin - one of several unruly, bright and funny sixth-form boys studying at a top British boarding school.

In the lead up to their final exams, the boys are in hot pursuit of sex, sport, and a place at a good university - generally in that order.

In all their efforts, they are helped and hindered, enlightened and bemused, by a maverick English teacher (George Henare OBE) who seeks to broaden their horizons in somewhat undefined ways.

Their headmaster (Bruce Phillips), obsessed with exam results, enlists enlists the help of a shrewd young temporary teacher (Andrew Ford), who unaffectedly believes academic tricks are the best way to get top results.

As adolescence naturally disturbs, the boys become embroiled in an ideological battle that questions their strength of loyalty - and the very meaning of education itself.

Playwright Alan Bennett started with Beyond the Fringe and has written numerous plays, novels, and other notable works. His 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. The History Boys has since enjoyed widespread acclaim and recognition since the successful release of the film version in 2007.

The History Boys at the Maidment Theatre from October 8-24.

“Nothing could diminish the incendiary achievement of this subtle, deep-wrought and immensely funny play about the value and meaning of education… in short, a superb, life-enhancing play.”
– The Guardian

Event listed by ElissaDownHolme

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